Our “Five Questions” (5Q) series keeps rolling with Ryne Weiss, a second-year student from Madison County. This summer, he is participating in research in WKU’s Department of Geology and Geography.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you participated?

I am participating in Geochemical research with Dr. Andrew Wulff involving the analysis of igneous rocks collected from lava flows in Chile. Using our data, a model will be made to describe volcanic activity that can be applied not only to volcanoes in the Andes system in Chile, but everywhere on earth, and even on other planets. The project that I have joined is nearing its final stages after 8 years of work by many others.

2. What is the part of the summer experience did you enjoy the most?

We took a trip to Michigan State University in Lansing, and there we prepared slides for analysis in their X-Ray Fluorescence, or XRF machine. Preparing these discs involved crushing, then powdering rocks, weighing them out to extreme scientific precision, and then melting them down to a molten state. Pouring lava into a mould is quite a rush and an incredibly memorable experience.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

At any other high school, I wouldn’t have made the contacts to be able to do something like this, nor be presented with the opportunity to do research that is so significant. While I do enjoy relaxing, I am blessed to have such a great opportunity to do this research. However, I don’t mean to imply I am eschewing fun in favor of work. Rather, I am spending my mornings and early afternoons contributing to something important, before I go home and spend time with friends.

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

While I haven’t quite decided what I’m going to do yet, this research has gotten me very interested in geology, certainly to the point that I will start taking Geology classes next year. As far as my future goes, working with an experienced researcher like Dr. Wulff, and gaining experience doing real scientific research opens a large number of doors for me that wouldn’t be otherwise.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I very much am looking forward to my second year at the academy to broaden my horizons, continue with research, meet new friends, and spend time with old ones. I plan on being more involved in extracurricular activities such as Mock Trial, and my position as an Academy Avatar will give me a fantastic opportunity to give back to the program that I owe so much to.

We continue our “Five Questions” (5Q) with Sarah Pritchett, a second-year student from Clark County. Last month, she participated in the Earthwatch Student Challenge Awards Program in the American southwest.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you participated?

I recently returned from an amazing experience that brought me to New Mexico and Colorado. I was nominated for the Earthwatch Student Challenge Awards Program by a teacher at my old high school. This led to me being invited to participate in geologic research in the Rio Grande Rift. I, along with seven girls from across the country, spent two weeks working with scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratories. Much of our time was spent visiting sites, mostly in Colorado, where we collected rock samples and cores. Then we traveled to the University of New Mexico where we analyzed the paleomagnetism of the various samples using the cryogenic magnetometer, a machine worth upwards of one million dollars. The data collected will be used to determine the types and locations of faults throughout the rift. This information will have many applications ranging from improved prediction of earthquakes to the prevention of contamination of important water supplies.

2. What is the part of the summer experience did you enjoy the most?

It is so hard to pick just one part of the experience as my favorite; I loved every minute of it. My fellow Earthwatchers made the trip amazing. I now have friends from Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
New York, California, and Florida. Also, being with scientists and conducting field research in such a drastically different environment was unbelievable.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

Most high schoolers tend to think of their summers as a time to relax, a time to rest their minds and not think about learning. They sleep in late, hang out with friends, and take vacations with their families. I, on the other hand, am spending my summer constantly busy and constantly learning. Besides the Earthwatch program in New Mexico, I am also spending a month working with the Student Conservation
Association at Glacier National Park in Montana. All of my traveling is being done alone, I’m making new friends from all over, and, during my trips, my average day starts at 5:30am.

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

Geology is not my field of choice; however, I do intend on becoming a scientist and conducting field research in biology and environmental science. My time in the field helped me reaffirm that I have made the right decision about my future career.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I am excited to become even more involved on campus and within the academy. I am looking forward to getting a fresh start with the new Academy Green Club, as well as participating in various other activities,
including Habitat for Humanity and International Club.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll profile students who are participating in summer travel abroad programs, research opportunities, and internships from around Kentucky, the nation, and globe. You can check out a full list of how students are spending their summer in our previous post.

We start our “Five Questions” (5Q) with Elizabeth Singleton, a second-year student from McCreary County. Last month, she participated in the Professional Education Preparation Program located in Pikeville, Kentucky.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you participated?

At PEPP, 45 students from all across Kentucky stayed in a dorm on Pikeville College’s campus. Every day, we went to Pikeville’s hospital to shadow in a different department. We did our shadowing in the morning, and in the afternoons, we had a three hour anatomy lecture and one of two labs that we took throughout the week. One was a Gross Anatomy lab and the other was a Functional Anatomy lab. In Gross Anatomy lab, we even dissected a human cadaver. The experiences from this program have definitely had positive impacts on my search for the perfect career.

2. What is the part of the summer experience did you enjoy the most?

Though seeing the human anatomy up close and personal was really awesome, I’d have to say shadowing was by far my favorite experience. I got to explore a different department of the hospital every day, and that really helped me to find exactly where I’d fit in. This is important, considering I want to work in a hospital one day.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

I believe that most teenagers see summer as a time to kick back and relax. Ever since I was in middle school, I have been to what my friends called “nerd camps” and I have never regretted it. An idle summer would be boring to me.

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

In the past year, I have come to the conclusion that I want to become a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics. Shadowing in the Pediatrics Ward during PEPP created a stronger foundation in that dream for my future.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I am going to be a second-year at the Academy, and when I look forward, I see challenges – huge waves of challenges; however, I also see room to grow as an individual. I see another year of awesome friendships and crazy high-school antics, and I look forward to every bit of it.

Six rising seniors from the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky participated in the 2009 National Youth Policy Summit held in Keystone, Colorado. Joining thirty of the nation’s brightest future leaders in science and math, the student participants addressed the critical issue of greenhouse gas reductions.

Gatton Academy participants included Elaine Flynn of Demossville, Alexander Hare of Morehead, Ballard Metcalfe of Eminence, Holly Mitchell of Salvisa, Kaitlin Oliver of Central City, and Hunter Smith of Elizabethtown.

The students assembled in Colorado on Monday for a week-long discussion to engage energy representatives from industry, government, and non-profit sectors. These young leaders specifically focused on what economic opportunities exist nationally to address the issue of greenhouse gas reductions, explained Annemarie Fussell, the program’s co-director.

Students spent the spring semester in preparation for the conference by conducting original research. Students were assigned research topics to address certain wedges of the topic of carbon reduction. Mitchell noted students were additionally assigned a stakeholder organization to research and represent their point-of-view.

Her research area focused on a proposed move from coal to natural gas as well as the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Throughout the week, Mitchell was responsible for advocating for the natural gas initiative and also for the interests of her stakeholder.

On Wednesday, the students spent the day with a group of expert panelists that included individuals from the Colorado Governor’s office, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Rocky Mountain Institute, Western Resource Advocates, Schlumberger Carbon Services, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, and the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. Students were able to learn from these real-world experts and stakeholders on a variety of levels.

Flynn commented on the benefit of having access to the expert panel. “I gained insight into what we were expected to do and also saw first-hand some career opportunities,” she said.

By the Summit’s conclusion on Saturday evening, the group of students will reach a consensus and formulate policy recommendations that will be published and shared with members of Congress, governors and state legislatures, as well as business and non-governmental organization leaders.

Peter Adler, President of The Keystone Center, commented on the value of the National Youth Policy Summit. “Across a political landscape beset by cynicism, squabbling, and backbiting, it is refreshing to find moments of lucid thinking and reasoned problem solving,” Adler said. “It is even more delectable when the problem solvers are young and knowledgeable and when, despite profound disagreements with each other, they manage to accomplish what lawmakers cannot: a sensible plan for the future. Examples like this inspire us. They show us that it is possible to rise above our partisan interests for the common good.”

Teaming with other gifted students from across the country to formulate these policy recommendations is one unique hallmark of the National Youth Policy Summit. “It has been a wonderful experience for me to be able to meet lots of interesting and fun students from other schools like the Gatton Academy,” added Metcalfe. “I have enjoyed working collaboratively with other students to solve some of today’s biggest problems.”

The Keystone Center prepares leaders of today and tomorrow with the 21st century intellectual and social skills they will need to resolve society’s most challenging energy, health, environmental, and resource problems. After a week of debate, joint effort consensus, and professional writing, Oliver hopes that all the students will be able to take something bigger away. “I hope that this week will help all of the students here learn how to combine the research with policy. This summit gives us the tools to know what to do in the future.”

The Keystone Science School houses the students during the National Youth Policy Summit, serving as a leadership camp experience during the students’ free time. These academic, athletic, and social activities contribute to the students building a network of peers across the country. Hare said, “Outside of the Summit-related activities, we have had a lot of fun doing things like ultimate Frisbee, mountain hiking, and board games. When the sky was clear we could watch the stars at their observatory.”

 Smith believes the atmosphere at Keystone contributes to the entire process. “Probably the coolest thing about Keystone is the relaxing environment around us. With the clear night skies and the mountainous terrain providing a stress-free atmosphere, we have been able to buckle down and develop bigger ideas,” he said.

Experience such as the Youth Policy Summit are a part of the extraordinary learning opportunities afforded to Academy students, noted Derick Strode, coordinator for research, internships, and scholarships.

“The Gatton Academy is fortunate to have six students participating in the National Youth Policy Summit,” Strode said. “They are developing their own personal leadership skills while making a creative contribution to major world issue. I cannot imagine a better way for these students to be spending part of their summer.”

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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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While many high school students and graduates are spending their summer getting ready for college or enjoying weeks on the beach, Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky students and recent alumni will spend the coming weeks academically engaged, building off their experiences at the Gatton Academy.

In all, 54 students have current plans to participate in an academic or career exploration during the months of June, July, and August that will take place across the world.  Derick Strode, the Academy’s coordinator for research, internships, and scholarships expressed both the geography and educational experiences of these students will be wide-ranging.

“This summer, Gatton Academy students’ plans range from internships in their own Kentucky backyards to research experiences than span from the east coast to the mountain west,” Strode said.  “Gatton Academy students will be on four continents this summer, collecting experiences that will propel them to higher achievements.”

Summer time research projects and internships are important educational experience facilitated by the Gatton Academy because it allows student to explore a possible career field while staying active academically.

“Our students have the chance to experience research for a summer with the guidance of a professional researcher,” Strode said.  “They have the opportunity to shadow the inner-workings of a professional in the field the student plans to work.  These practical experiences allow our students a glimpse into the realities of their own personal goals, forcing them to question and answer whether the career they have in mind for themselves truly fits.”

2009 alumnus, Dalton Hubble, participated in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Summer Research Institute in 2008.  The research completed during that program became the foundation for his application to the Intel Science Talent Search and Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology.  Hubble earned national semifinalist honors in both competitions.  Similarly, this summer’s projects will serve as the basis for competition entries this fall.

“The Gatton Academy’s curriculum is designed for the ultimate challenge during the academic year,” Strode said.  “Likewise, we ask our students to consider doing more with their summers than your typical student.  By completing summer time projects, the door is metaphorically opened for our students as they apply for colleges, scholarships, and we expect eventually in their career searches.”

2009 summer experiences include:

Aaron Bell, a graduating senior from Scottsville, will be participating in a research project with Dr. Edward Kintzel of the WKU Department of Physics and Astronomy.  Aaron will assist in a study involving methanol adsorption on graphite materials, materials synthesis, and materials characterization techniques.

Rachel Bowman, a graduating senior from Murray, will participate in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program at the University of Maine.  Rachel will be part of a research team working with forest bio-products for ten weeks.

Stephanie Burba, a graduating senior from Magnolia, has been selected as a participant in the Department of Energy’s Pre-Service Teacher Program.  Stephanie will spend ten weeks at the Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, IL doing research on plant and animal ecosystems at a created wetland.

Phillip Butler, a first-year student from Frankfort, will be doing research with Dr. Eric Conte of the WKU Department of Chemistry.  Phillip’s project will be testing the use of hot solvents to remove substances from a sorbent.

Ruby Chang, a graduating senior from Bowling Green, will participate in the University of Louisville’s five-week Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)/ Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Summer Workshop.   As a part of the program, she will also participate in tours, demonstrations, and lectures at the University of Louisville’s medical and dental schools.

Alexander Chen, a graduating senior from Lexington, will participate in a research project with Dr. Keith Philips of the WKU Department of Biology for five weeks this summer.  Alex will work at WKU’s Biotechnology Center where he will be assisting with a study of the abundance and diversity of beetles that were collected in the Upper Guinean Forest.

Bethany Coffey, a graduating senior from Columbia, will be doing research with Dr. Pedro do Amaral of the WKU Department of Biology.  Bethany will be studying the developmental stages of tadpoles that are growing in waters of varying temperatures.

Michelle Compton, a first-year student from Ashland, will be working with Dr. Mary Jane Wixsom at Guardian Animal Hospital in Ashland.

Jennifer Connelly, a first-year student from Louisville, will be volunteering this summer at the University of Louisville Health Care’s University Hospital.

Amy Cordero, a first-year student from Pikeville, will be working under Dr. Curry at the Pikeville Medical Center.

Manuel Cortez, a first-year student from Symsonia, will be shadowing a pharmacist at the Lone Oak Pharmacy in Lone Oak.

Allyson Dilliha, a graduating senior from Bowling Green, will be participating in Point Park University’s International Summer Intensive Dance program in Pittsburg, PA for part of the summer.  She will also spend time in Bowling Green working at the Dance Arts Children’s Camp.

Cody Feldhaus, a first-year student from Petersburg, will be doing research with Dr. Aaron Celestian of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Cody’s project will involve the synthesis of gismondine zeolites.

Elaine Flynn, a first-year student from Demossville, will be doing research with Dr. Andrew Wulff of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Elaine’s project will involve geochemical analysis of lava and igneous rock samples.

James “Zac” Forshee, a first-year student from Franklin, will be participating in the Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, MD.

Gretchen Fraze, a first-year student from Hodgenville, will be working at Elizabethtown Chiropractic.

Leah Frazier, a first-year student from Russell, will be working at Brooks Eyecare in Greenup.

Colleen Gavin, a graduating senior from Elizabethtown, will be volunteering at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown.

Emily Hall, a first-year student from Nicholasville, will be doing research with Dr. Kathryn Saatman of the University of Kentucky’s Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center.  Emily’s research involves working with rodents to test for proteins that might increase the chance of normal brain function.

Kaitlin Hartley, a graduating senior from Versailles, will be working as a teacher assistant for the WKU Center for Gifted Studies Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) camp.

Jordan Jones, a first-year student from Ft. Wright, will be doing research at the Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory in Newport, KY with Dr. Julia Carter.

Matthew Kirk, a graduating senior from Centertown, will be doing research with Dr. Lee Florea of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Matthew’s project will use GPS and high-frequency echo-location equipment to estimate the bat population of south central Kentucky.

Jennifer Ludden, a graduating senior from Columbia, will be water quality testing in the WKU WATERS Laboratory.

Holly Mitchell, a first-year student from Salvisa, will be doing research with Dr. Michael May of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Holly’s work will assist in measuring rock strata at the Upper Green River Biological Preserve.

Rachel Moore, a graduating senior from Lexington, will be doing research at the University of Kentucky’s Center for Biomedical Engineering with Dr. Joyce Evans.

Elizabeth Nethaway, a first-year student from Russellville, will be working with Dr. Lee Florea of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Elizabeth’s project will use GPS and high-frequency echo-location equipment to estimate the bat population of south central Kentucky.

Sarah Pritchett, a first-year student from Winchester, has been accepted to two prestigious programs this summer.  In June, Sarah will participate in the EarthWatch Institute’s Student Challenge Awards Program Expedition to study tectonics and volcanism in the Rio Grande Rift in the Espanola and Albuquerque Basins in New Mexico.  In July and August, Sarah will be a part of the Student Conservation Association’s National Crew in the Glacier National Park of Montana, where she will work on trail rehabilitation, installation of turnpikes, and repair of water bars.

Shelby Rader, a graduating senior from Irvine, will be participating in a research project with Dr. Aaron Celestian of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Shelby’s project will focus on the synthesis and ion exchange of sitinkite zeolites.

Jacob Roberts, a first-year student from Owensboro, will be doing research with the Owensboro Medical Health Systems.

Katherine Rush, a first-year student from Frankfort, will be doing research with the Hoffman Institute’s Crawford Hydrology Laboratory at WKU.

Suzanna Sadler, a graduating senior from Cadiz, will be participating in the NASA Summer Opportunities in Aeronautics for High School Scholars (SOAR) program at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.  Suzanna will spend three weeks exploring aeronautics through various research tools.

Forrest Simmons, a first-year student from Hebron, will be doing research with Dr. Aaron Celestian of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Forrest will be working on the synthesis of new titanium germinates.

Elizabeth Singleton, a first-year student from Stearns, will be participating in the University of Kentucky’s Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) in Pikeville, a program for students interested in medicine and dentistry.

Kristine Song, a graduating senior from Bowling Green, will be doing research with Dr. Michael May of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Kristine’s work will assist in measuring rock strata at the Upper Green River Biological Preserve.

Sean Stopher, a first-year student from Louisville, will be working as a lab technician for the PT Hutchins Company, a chemical technology company, in Orlando, FL.

Anna Walter, a first-year student from Burlington, will be working with Dr. Aaron Celestian in the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Anna’s project will center on low temperature zeolite synthesis.

Ryne Weiss, a first-year student from Richmond, will be working with Dr. Andrew Wulff of the WKU Department of Geography and Geology.  Ryne’s project will involve geochemical analysis of lava and igneous rock samples

Eleven Gatton Academy first-year students will be participating in Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Programs.  These students are Miles Cary of Bowling Green, Thomas Choate of Bowling Green, Amy Cordero of Pikeville, Justin Jatczak of Hopkinsville, Lori Froedge of Tompkinsville, Ballard Metcalfe of Eminence, Rebecca Morgan of Sonora, Alex Naumann of Ashland, Rohith Palli of Lexington, Sarah Pritchett of Winchester, and Elizabeth Singleton of Stearns.

Eight Gatton Academy students are studying abroad this summer.  Six students will be studying German Language and Culture on the WKU Germany trip led by Laura McGee.  These students are Nathan Griffin, a graduating senior from Eastview, Jess Heichelbech, a graduating senior from Crestwood, Tyce Hodges, a graduating senior from Somerset, Benjamin Messick, a graduating senior from Ashland, Rachel Moore, a graduating senior from Lexington, and Holly Mitchell, a first-year student from Salvisa.  Katherine Rush, a Frankfort first-year student, will be studying the literature of Jane Austen in London, England.  Whitney Antle, a Rineyville first-year student, will be studying the Spanish language in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Six Gatton Academy first-year students will be participating in the National Youth Policy Summit.  This year’s topic, the Reduction of Greenhouse Gases, will be discussed at the Keystone Science Center in Keystone, CO.  These students are Elaine Flynn of Demossville, Alexander Hare of Morehead, Ballard Metcalfe of Eminence, Holly Mitchell of Salvisa, Kaitlin Oliver of Central City, and Hunter Smith of Elizabethtown.

Four Gatton Academy first-year students will be presenting their research work at the National Consortium Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology’s (NCSSSMST) Research Symposium at the University of Pennsylvania.  These students are Gretchen Fraze of Hodgenville, Justin Jatczak of Hopkinsville, Jared Mink of East Bernstadt, and Katherine Rush of Frankfort.

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