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 are sharing insights from students who are the recipients of our 2012 grants.

Rising senior Nicholas Fedorka of Danville has spent his summer working in the WKU Department of Chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Bangbo Yan.  Nicholas is studying water as a potential energy source through his research on the synthesis and structure of a metal organic framework.
1.     What does research mean to you as a young person interested in STEM?

As a young person interested in STEM this research experience means a lot to me. It’s a taste of what I could be doing for the rest of my life.  In STEM there are many options for possible careers. Chemistry and research are two very promising ones for me. I am doing both. Through this research I get more experience, and through that experience I grow in my understanding of myself  and what I want to do.

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

This is quite different from most high-schoolers’ summer. While many such people may have a summer job, it probably has nothing to do with what they aspire to be or how they hope to contribute to society. I’m doing exactly what I want to do through my work: I’m doing science.

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

By far I am looking forward to taking university classes again. I look forward to once again having a rigorous and rewarding education.
4.       What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?

I hope to discover what I want to do with my life, as in what sort of science I want to do.  This means getting degrees, doing research, publishing papers, and making myself more than competent at my chosen profession.
5.       How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

This research experience fits quite nicely into my educational goals.  I want to get as much education as possible in what interests me. I find chemistry interesting, and by getting hands-on, actual, “real life” experience, I am getting an excellent background in it.

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.  This summer, we’re sharing first-hand student experiences in a series we call Summer 5Q. 

Rising senior Madison Preece of Owensboro spent her summer at the Owensboro Cancer Research Program working under the mentorship of Dr. Keith Davis.   Her project studied cell death after possible cancer treatment.  We had a chance to catch up with Madison earlier this summer.

1. How is your summer different than other high school students’ summers?

My summer experience is different than other high school students because with my research position I am not just working to make money, I am investing in my education and in my future. Specifically, my research will help me stand out among other applicants to top universities.

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

I will be using this research experience as a launching point to enter the Siemens Competition this fall. It will also help me stand out during the college application process.

3. What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?

In the next ten years, I aspire to complete my education and become a physician. My passion is for helping others. My goal is to open free clinics in Myanmar for the civilians who are being attacked because of their religious affiliations.

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

From my perspective, the Gatton Academy helps improve Kentucky’s educational image. By recently being selected as Newsweek’s #1 public high school in America, it illustrates that when our bright students are combined with excellent leadership, teaching, resources, and opportunities that great educational milestones can be reached. With such an outstanding education, students from Kentucky can truly impact the world.

5. What do you love most about the Gatton Academy?

What I love most about the Gatton Academy is the opportunity to live in a learning-oriented environment with other high school students who share my passion for science and mathematics. We all strive to do our best and push others to do the same. At my old high school, I never had the chance to make friends who are so much like me.