Author: Corey Alderdice

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Gatton Academy Part of Kentucky’s Economic Development Strategy

February 25, 2012 | News | No Comments

From The Bowling Green Daily News

Kentuckians are improving their education-attainment status but still lag behind neighboring states in the category.

The American Community Survey released last week showed that 20.5 percent of Kentuckians over age 25 have at least a bachelor’s degree. Nationally, the average has reached more than 30 percent, and all but one of the states surrounding Kentucky had a higher percentage. County-level information is not yet available.

“That’s disturbing,” Western Kentucky University President Gary Ransdell said. “We can’t grow our economy unless we are putting degree holders in the workplace who can not only perform certain skill sets … but who also have leadership capacity.”

In addition to increasing the number of degree-holding residents, WKU is doing what it can to make sure there are jobs for those degree holders so the state doesn’t experience “brain drain” – something that had been a problem before Kentucky began developing its technology and research capabilities.

Ransdell said the focus of the Innovation and Commercialization Center is to encourage entrepreneurs and to focus on creating new and fostering emerging businesses. The university’s Research and Development Center is also integral to supporting jobs in southcentral Kentucky.

WKU has improved its degree rate by 51 percent since 1998, with the number of degrees growing from 2,566 to 3,885 in 2011.

“We are trying to contribute to the solution to the problem,” he said.

That’s one of the goals of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, an on-campus school for Kentucky high school juniors and seniors.

“The Gatton Academy is first and foremost an economic development strategy where we bring in highly gifted and talented students together in an environment where they are challenged and feed off each other … to achieve,” Ransdell said. “We hope that most of them stay in Kentucky to complete their degrees and most of them are.”

And for those who have gone elsewhere, including to Ivy League schools, Ransdell is still hopeful they will come back to Kentucky to work because the state did something good for them at a critical age.

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By Corey Alderdice

Hawtrey Delivers Address at Gifted Education Week Proclamation

February 22, 2012 | Gifted Ed, Gifted Ed Week, News, People, Student Success, Students, WKU | No Comments

Sammi Hawtrey, a Gatton Academy senior from Union, spoke about her experiences as a gifted student at the Capitol Rotunda to mark the celebration of Gifted Education Week in Kentucky.

My name is Samantha Hawtrey, and I am a senior at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Gifted education is of great importance to me personally, but also to the whole state of Kentucky. By investing in the 17% of school-aged children who are gifted and talented, Kentucky is doing itself a favor. With institutions like the Center for Gifted Studies, Kentucky Association for Gifted Education, and my own Gatton Academy, gifted education in Kentucky is already incredibly advanced. The improvement of Kentucky’s educational system does not merely mean raising standards at the lowest levels of achievement; it can also be greatly affected by removing barriers at the top.

You may wonder who I am to make such claims about Kentucky’s education systems. I am one of the 645,000 students currently enrolled in Kentucky public schools, and more specifically, I am one of the 111,000 gifted and talented students in Kentucky. I can personally vouch for the infinite possibilities created by gifted education programs throughout the state. As a student at the Gatton Academy, I have spent my junior and senior years of high school taking entirely college courses, conducting research, and studying abroad with peers who have a passion for learning. I have had the opportunity to study courses such as Bioinformatics, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, and Computer Science. Last year I isolated a bacteriophage virus in a program funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. I have presented my work at the US Naval Academy in Maryland, HHMI’s research facilities in Virginia, and Western Kentucky University’s Research Conference in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I also coauthored a research paper that was published in the Journal of Experimental Secondary Science this fall. I am currently using fruit flies to conduct cancer research. I have been able to work with university professors in high-tech laboratories that few undergraduate students have access to. Last January I and fifteen other academy students studied biodiversity at Cloudbridge Nature reserve in Costa Rica. I live on the campus of Western Kentucky University with 124 students who are just as excited about learning as I am. I have access to supportive advisors who push me to make the most of every opportunity and equip me to do so. These two years at the academy have opened my eyes to a world filled with possibilities. There is no limit to what I can pursue except my own motivation. This incredible experience has radically changed my life, giving me the chance to reach my full potential and enabling me to discover my passion for the medical field, which I hope to enter someday.

When the importance of gifted education is properly acknowledged, the whole state of Kentucky will benefit. As young minds are allowed to pursue their passion for learning and maximize their potential early on, they will grow up to become better engineers, doctors, computer programmers, and teachers. By supporting gifted education now, we are ensuring a brighter future for Kentucky in the years to come. And that is something worth looking forward to!

To all the legislators, senators, decision makers and educators who have made gifted education in Kentucky possible, thank you.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gift Will Establish Speakers Series at Gatton Academy

February 15, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

From WKU Public Radio

A twenty thousand dollar gift from AT&T will help to launch a speakers program at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at WKU.   Gatton Director Tim Gott says the program will benefit students and members of the general public, because the speeches will be held in locations that will allow members of the public and campus community to attend.

Dr. Julia Roberts is the Executive Director of the Center for Gifted Studies and the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. She says the program will encourage students at the Academy to learn about new developments in the fields of science, engineering , technology, and mathematics and to prepare for possible future career opportunities.    Dan Modlin has more on the story.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy, AT&T Announce Gift for WKU Speaker Series on Innovation

February 14, 2012 | News | No Comments

Students at The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU already enjoy unique opportunities for advanced study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Thanks to a gift from AT&T Kentucky, these emerging leaders within STEM fields will have the chance to learn from today’s leaders.

The AT&T Innovation and Leadership Speakers Series at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science will provide Gatton Academy students the opportunity to interact with innovative leaders in both the public and private sectors who have experienced success in their chosen field.  These leaders will share their experience and wealth of knowledge with Gatton Academy students to offer insights and words of encouragement about the challenges and opportunities that they will face after graduation as future leaders of industry and government.

AT&T’s gift of $20,000 to endow the speaker series was announced on Tuesday in an event attended by Gatton Academy and WKU administrators, faculty and students.

Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of The Gatton Academy, thanked AT&T Kentucky for its generous and continued support of the program.

“The Gatton Academy has a wonderful relationship with AT&T Kentucky,” Dr. Roberts said. “Friends are so important, and all of that is critical to the success of The Gatton Academy.”

The AT&T Innovation and Leadership Speakers Series will allow for long-term planning for bringing outstanding leaders to address the Gatton Academy students twice a year.  Understanding the value of innovation to our present economy and to our future and being inspired by outstanding leaders will motivate young people and help them set their sights at very high levels.

The anticipated outcome of the project is that Gatton Academy students develop a greater appreciation for innovation and leadership that enhances their rigorous academic experience, which is focused primarily in the STEM disciplines.

Dave Weller, AT&T Kentucky regional director, external affairs, noted the decision to support the Academy through the gift is because the program has the potential to help young Kentuckians be exceptional.

“It’s not good enough to be smart.  It’s not enough to be fast.  You have to be ready to take it to the next level when the opportunity comes,” Weller explained before the group of 40 supporters gathered for the event.  “The Gatton Academy has the potential to mold these students and take them to the next level.”

One of the Gatton Academy’s primary goals is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“The Academy experience helps students begin to think of themselves as something more,” explained Corey Alderdice, Gatton Academy assistant director for admissions and public relations.  “To become an emerging leader, a student must begin to see themselves as a leader.  We look forward to sharing some outstanding examples of thought, business, and educational leadership in action through this new series.”

Contact: Corey Alderdice: (270) 745-2971.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Takes 2nd, 3rd at DOE Regional Science Bowl

February 10, 2012 | News, Student Success | No Comments

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Lone Oak High School is the U.S. Department of Energy’s Regional High School Science Bowl winner and will compete in the National Science Bowl April 26-30 in Washington, D.C.

The five-student Lone Oak team won the Feb. 10 regional competition in Crounse Hall on the University of Kentucky Extension Campus at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. Two teams from Gatton Academy of Bowling Green finished second and third. Gatton won the contest last year.

Members of the second place team include Michael Crocker, David Sekora, Tucker Joyce, Holly Morris, and Jon Biechele-Speziale.  Members of the third place team include Curtlyn Kramer, Jeet Parekh, Jack Ferguson, Sibi Rajendran, and Stephen Mattingly.  Corey Alderdice and Sam Earls served as coaches for the team.

(at top) The second place team from The Gatton Academy. (above) The third place team from The Gatton Academy.

A fast-paced, question-and-answer format similar to the Jeopardy TV game show tests teams of students in all areas of science and mathematics.

Fifteen high school teams competed, with a few schools having two teams. Other competitors were Livingston Central, Fulton County, Calloway County, St. Mary, Paducah Tilghman, Hickman County, Hopkinsville, Mayfield, and Henderson County.

Regional winners receive expense-paid trips to Washington for DOE’s National Science Bowl, America’s largest and most prestigious science competition for middle and high school students. It is the only educational event and academic competition that is sponsored by a federal agency.

The regional competition is supported by the contributions of local businesses and individuals. The funds are utilized for trophies, T-shirts, and lunch for the participating students. Donations can be sent to The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, attention Stacy Thomas.

The regional competition is sponsored by DOE, UK-Paducah Campus, WKCTC, and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Partnership.

Contributing businesses are A&K Construction, Computer Services Inc., LATA Environmental Services of Kentucky, EHI Consultants, ISP Chemicals, Performance Results Corp., Radiation Physics Solutions, S&S Mechanical, U.S. Enrichment Corp., and White House Design.

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By Corey Alderdice

Help Celebrate “Gifted Education Week” in Kentucky!

February 9, 2012 | Gifted Ed, News | No Comments

GIFTED EDUCATION WEEK Proclamation Signing, February 15, 2012, Join the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education at noon in the Capitol Rotunda when February 19 – 25, 2012 is proclaimed Gifted Education Week in Kentucky.  Take advantage of being in Frankfort by arranging for students to watch state government in action.  This is appropriate for all gifted students but especially students identified with leadership ability.

GIFTED EDUCATION WEEK IN KENTUCKY is February 19-25, 2012, but NOW is always a good time to open positive dialogues with key decision makers, parents, local officials, and community members. For a list of activities YOU can do in your community to increase awareness of gifted education, contact the KAGE office.

CLICK HERE to download a list of suggestions on how you can get involved in Gifted Education Week in Kentucky!

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By Corey Alderdice

Academy Alumni Receive Prestigious Astronomy Awards for Research Projects

January 31, 2012 | Academics, Alumni, News, People, Research, WKU | No Comments

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Two students in WKU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy received prestigious awards recently at the American Astronomical Society’s 219thsemiannual meeting in Austin, Texas.

Aaron C. Bell of Scottsville and Andrew Gott of Elizabethtown received Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Awards for their poster presentations at the conference. Often called the Super Bowl of Astronomy, the AAS winter meeting Jan. 8-12 attracted more than 2,700 astrophysicists, educators, students and journalists.

Dr. Louis Strolger, associate professor and Gott’s advisor, said several hundred undergraduate posters are presented at the conference and fewer than 10 Chambliss medals are awarded with the majority going to students from research universities.

Of the seven medals awarded this year, three went to students from Harvard University and two went to WKU, he said. WKU’s Kyle Cook, now a graduate student at Texas A&M, won a Chambliss medal in 2010.

“It is rare for an institution our size to garner one of these prestigious awards, let alone two in one year and three Chambliss awards in the past two years,” said Dr. Steven Gibson, assistant professor and Bell’s advisor.

Bell and Gott said the Chambliss awards validate the quality of WKU’s faculty and students and the high caliber research under way in the department. “These awards bring prestige to WKU and let everyone know that we do have an excellent Department of Physics and Astronomy,” Bell said.

Bell worked with Dr. Gibson on a project titled Dust Infrared Emission in an H2-Forming, Perseus-Arm Cloud. Bell’s interstellar research has focused on the formation of dense clouds of molecular gas that can collapse under their own gravity. Using infrared data from the Spitzer Space Telescope, Bell is examining how small dust particles aid the condensation of molecular hydrogen from less dense atomic gas. This transition is vital to the ongoing formation of new stars and planets in our own galaxy and many others.

Gott worked with Dr. Strolger on a project titled UBVRI Optical Monitoring of Supernova 2011fe in the Pinwheel Galaxy with the 1.3-meter Robotically Controlled Telescope. Gott has been examining data from an exploding star that has been one of the most important supernovae in recent history. Measuring its brightness over time will provide vital information about more distant supernovae being used to measure the expansion history of the universe — the subject of the recent Nobel Prize in physics, in which Dr. Strolger played a role.

Bell and Gott, both seniors and graduates of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, plan to continue their research at graduate school. And both encourage other students to take advantage of the undergraduate research opportunities in their department and across the WKU campus.

“Students should know that if they’re interested in research, then approach your professors about it because there’s a strong chance they’ll get to work with them on a project,” Bell said.

Two other WKU students also had research presented at the AAS conference.

Jonathan Newton, a senior from Nicholasville, presented a poster onCandidate Sites for Cold H2 Formation in Cold HI Emission and Other Tracers. He has been using a survey with the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico (where he was a summer intern last year) to look for clouds of cold gas that are becoming denser and colder in preparation for forming new stars.

Research by Rebecca Brown, a Gatton Academy student from Nelson County, was featured in a poster titled Observations of 4 Blazars with the Robotically Controlled Telescope in 2011.

Contact: Steven Gibson, (270) 745-3019; or Louis Strolger, (270) 745-6204.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy to Participate in 3rd Annual DOE Regional Science Bowl at WKCTC

January 31, 2012 | News, People, Student Life, Student Success, Students | No Comments

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From WestKentuckyStar.com

The U.S. Department of Energy will hold its third Regional Science Bowl in February at West Kentucky Community & Technical College.

High school teams will compete Feb. 10, and middle school teams will compete Feb. 24, from 8:30 am until about 3:30 pm on the second floor of Crounse Hall on the University of Kentucky Extension Campus at 4810 Alben Barkley Drive. Competition is open to the public.

Schools are encouraged to register and get more information by visitingwww.science.energy.gov/nsb or contacting Don Dihel at the Department at 270-441-6824. Registration deadline for the event is Jan. 30 for High School and Feb. 13 for Middle School. Winning high school and middle school teams will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, to compete in the National Science Bowl April 26-30.

The National Science Bowl is America’s largest and most prestigious science competition for middle and high school students. More than 21,600 students from 42 states plus Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; and the U.S. Virgin Islands have competed in regional competitions. It is the only educational event and academic competition that is sponsored by a federal agency. Last year’s competition drew high school teams from Paducah Tilghman, Lone Oak, Reidland, St. Mary, Marshall County, Hopkinsville, Crittenden County, Gatton Academy, West Kentucky Homeschool, and Madisonville-North Hopkins. Gatton Academy of Bowling Green won the regional competition.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy, WKU Students Present Research at Annual “Posters at the Capitol” Event

January 30, 2012 | Academics, Alumni, News, People, Research, Students, WKU | No Comments

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More than 20 WKU student, five of whom are Gatton Academy students, presented research during the 2012 Posters-at-the-Capitol event Jan. 26 in Frankfort.

  • Aaron Bell, a Scottsville senior and Gatton Academy alumnus, presented “Dust Infrared Emission in an H2-forming, Perseus-Arm Cloud” with faculty mentor Steve Gibson.
  • Jade Boyle, a Glasgow senior, and Ashton Korfhage, a Bowling Green senior, presented “Cultural Design for African Children in Need” with faculty mentors Sheila S. Flener and Travis K. Wilson.
  • Andrea Eastes, a Gatton Academy student from Mayfield, and Lydia Brothers, a Gatton Academy student from Madisonville, presented “ZBLAN Glass: Improving Medical Imaging with Europium Doped HoF3 and SrCl2 Based Storage Phosphors” with faculty mentor Jackie Johnson.
  • Chris Carmichael, a Bowling Green senior, presented “A Novel Layered Metalloporphyrin Material” with faculty mentor Bangbo Yan.
  • Andrea Esterle, a Bowling Green senior, presented “Biosynthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Yucca filamentosa Plant Extract” with faculty mentor Shivendra Sahi.
  • Deanna Gipson, an Auburn senior, and Traci Walker, a Campbellsville senior, presented “The Culturally Competent Dental Team” with faculty mentor Barbara Bush.
  • Ryan D. Gourley, a senior from Evansville, Ind., and graduate students Kamal Humagain of Bowling Green and Sean T. Hutchison of Nashville, Tenn., presented “Using Satellite Remote Sensing Data to Describe Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Fire in Nepal” with faculty mentor John All.
  • Sherry R. Helm, an Eastview senior, presented “Analysis of RNA Mediated Antitermination in Erwinia Tasmaniensis Bacteriophage” with faculty mentor Rodney A. King.
  • Kayla Jenkins, a Bowling Green junior, and Chad Jones, a Brandenburg senior, presented “Decoding the Body” with faculty mentor Joseph Evans.
  • Alyssa Nantz, a senior from LaVergne, Tenn., and Mikell Nelson, a Louisville senior, presented “Dental Health Literacy: A Plea for Simplicity” with faculty mentor Rebecca G. Tabor.
  • Dillon Pender, an Elizabethtown senior, and graduate student and Lakshmisri M. Vangala of Bowling Green presented “Environmental Friendly Synthesis, Characterization and Bactericidal Activity of Starch-Encapsulated Gold Nanoparticles” with faculty mentor Rajalingam Dakshinamurphy.
  • Michael Powers, a Bowling Green senior, presented “Enhanced Nanoporous Minerals for Energy Processes” with faculty mentor Aaron Celestian.
  • Mary Spraggs, a Gatton Academy student from Danville, and Cheyenne Ullrey, a Gatton Academy student from Walton, presented “An Examination of Atmospheric Composition Data from Mammoth Cave National Park” with faculty mentor Matthew J. Nee.
  • Leslie Wilson, a Gatton Academy student from Munfordville, presented “Reactive Group Functionalized Silsequioxane Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications: Synthesis, Characterization and Particle Morphology” with faculty mentor Hemali Rathnayake.

Posters-at-the-Capitol is intended to help members of Kentucky’s legislature and the Governor better understand the importance of involving undergraduates in research, scholarly and creative work.

Contact: Blaine Ferrell, (270) 745-8842.

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By Corey Alderdice