research – The Gatton Academy News

Embrace Failure

August 12, 2024 | Sofia Sileo | No Comments

My time at Gatton was filled with learning about myself and the world around me. One of the most important things I learned at Gatton is setback today does not define tomorrow’s outcome. In fact, many times, yesterday’s failures have paved the way for today’s achievements.

Like many of my peers at Gatton, I arrived with a high GPA achieved with relative ease in previous settings; however, adapting to a different academic environment requires resilience and the ability to embrace failure as an essential step toward success. Although I didn’t quite figure out the phrasing “failure today does not necessarily mean failure tomorrow” until my last semester of Gatton, this philosophy has been what kept me on track to reach my goals.

Whether facing challenges in the gym, setbacks in experiments, disappointments in exams, or rejections from programs, I’ve learned to remind myself that setbacks are part of the process. Supportive mentors, friends, and family have reinforced this belief, emphasizing that persistence and dedication lead to eventual success.

Research highlights this principle vividly. Engaging in the Genome program my first semester, I learned microbiology techniques required to isolate a novel bacteriophage. Bacteriophage research became a passion during my time at Gatton. Through multiple rounds of experimentation over the course of a few semesters (and only one broken piece of glassware!) I was able to meet my research goals. My research mentor, Dr. King, noted that research progress is marked by occasional setbacks. When his wife asks him how his day went, he replies with “I don’t know! The results are not out yet.” Perhaps he didn’t mean it in this way, but I decided to take the anecdote as meaning, “Why not be excited about the research you did today, even if it doesn’t work out the way you want it to? If it doesn’t work, you’ll get to try again.”

Initially disheartened by failed experiments, I gradually embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth. Each failure taught me valuable lessons, refining my approach and eventually yielding meaningful results.

Whether pursuing research or any other endeavor, it’s essential to recognize that failure is not just acceptable but necessary. Perfection rarely manifests instantly; it emerges through persistence, adaptation, and learning from setbacks. Embracing failure as part of the process has transformed setbacks into stepping stones toward success, a mindset I carry forward with confidence as I embark on new challenges beyond Gatton. I encourage you to do the same.

By Gatton Academy

A Week in Woods Hole

June 20, 2024 | Mara Neace | No Comments

An early morning flight landed nine fellow students, Sam, and myself in Woods Hole—a small village in Massachusetts—to study marine biodiversity at the Marine Biological Laboratory during spring break. Dr. David Mark Welch, a biochemist, and Dr. Hillary Morrison, a molecular biologist and microscopist, taught our course which specifically focused on the microbial biodiversity of water sources in Woods Hole.

Throughout the week, we participated in numerous research opportunities like collecting water samples from sources throughout Woods Hole, running lab analyses like PCRs and gel electrophoresis, and performing bioinformatic analyses with VAMPS and BLAST software. At the end of the course, we presented our weeklong research to Sam, our instructors, and some MBL faculty members.

In addition to research opportunities, we were visited by guest speakers who lectured about their work and research. Some examples are Dr. Blair Paul, who presented his research on bacteriophages and marine microorganisms, and Dr. Jessica Mark Welch, who showcased her work in studying the spatial organization of microbes. We also toured two labs at the MBL, where axolotls and lampreys were used as model organisms to study brain and spinal cord regeneration. At the Marine Resources Center, we learned about various aquatic life at the MBL and saw (and also held!) horseshoe crabs, spider crabs, cancer crabs, sea anemones, and more.

When we weren’t performing research, we explored Woods Hole. Several people and I visited Coffee Obsession, a small coffee shop with amazing London Fogs, and Pie in the Sky, a local bakery with fantastic pies and pastries. We also visited the nearby beach and the waterfront park and saw beautiful views of the ocean, being sure to take photos for the calendar photo competition hosted by the MBL. We visited the gift shop, where several people bought tee shirts, axolotl plushies, and socks. On days when we were not exploring, we watched Avatar and Monsters University in the presentation room, ate meals in the dining hall, and played trivia in the common spaces.

Traveling to Woods Hole and the Marine Biological Laboratory was an incredible experience filled with amazing people, hands-on research, immersive lectures, and derpy axolotls. While the flights were long and the weather was chilly, I can’t imagine a better way to have spent my spring break.

By Gatton Academy

Birds of Western Kentucky University

March 12, 2024 | Macey Weaver | No Comments

Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and, as someone who grew up in a very rural environment, it was hard for me to get used to the urban surroundings. I have been an avid birdwatcher since I was nine years old, and one way I stay connected to nature while at WKU is by birdwatching. While it can be difficult to find the same kind of biodiversity in a city than in rural areas, many bird species frequent the wide variety of trees and ornamental plants at WKU.

Red-tailed Hawk

WKU is home to a few Red-tailed Hawks. Red-tailed Hawks are the largest hawks in Kentucky, and prefer to prey on larger species such as squirrels and rabbits. Western’s campus is home to an enormous squirrel population, so the presence of the Red-tailed Hawks keeps the population healthy.

Common Nighthawk

Common Nighthawk may not be a common name, but they are a common bird at WKU. Common Nighthawks are primarily active at dusk and during the night. You can see them soaring above the buildings just before the sun sets calling and booming as they catch insects. They are best identified by the white crescent shapes on their wings that are clearly displayed in flight.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are a summer migrant of Kentucky, but you can see them on Western’s campus as early as mid-March and as late as mid-October. They are the only species of hummingbird common in Kentucky, and are easily identified by their small stature and the male’s bright, red throat (also called a gorget). They feed on the multiple ornamental flower species around campus.

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos are only present in Kentucky through late fall to early spring. They migrate here from northern Canada. These chipper birds are in the sparrow family, so they are typically on the ground feeding on whatever little seeds and small insects they can find. They are easily identified by their gray bodies, white outer tail feathers, and their pink beak. These birds can be found in small flocks all over campus, typically feeding on the ground and in bushes.

Northern Cardinal

Being Kentucky’s state bird, it’s no surprise that Northern Cardinals are one of the most common species of bird at Western Kentucky University. The males are easily identified by their bright red plumage, crest feathers, and their bright orange bill. The females, however, may be a little more difficult. Females are buff brown with a bright orange beak and a head crest. They have a crisp chip call that is easily differentiable from other bird calls.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The only sapsucker in the eastern United States, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a delight to see fluttering around the trunks of trees on campus. They feed on the sap of trees by drilling rows of holes in tree trunks. They have a disheveled look with an off-white belly and a bright red forehead and lores. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has an irregular drumming pattern similar to morse code.

By Gatton Academy

Gatton Research Profiles

January 5, 2024 | Tobi Akangbe | No Comments

One of the ways Gatton stands out from a typical high school is through the various research opportunities offered. Gatton encourages students to participate in research so they can explore their interests, create relationships with their faculty mentors, gain laboratory experience, and connect with peers in their field. Gatton allows students to participate in research in a wide variety of departments, through research internship grants (RIG), and do research at different schools.

Learn more below about some of the students who do research at Gatton and their projects.

Mara Neace
Research Department: Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences Department
Location of Research: Western Kentucky University
Information about research project: This project involves collecting water samples from 11 sites in the Jennings Creek/Lost River watershed, testing samples in a lab to identify pollutants, and processing/analyzing historic and modern data to identify pollution trends over time. The goal is to develop a watershed management plan to address pollution on a site-by-site and widespread basis in a geographically vulnerable karst region.

Landon Carlton
Research Department: Biology Department
Location of Research: Western Kentucky University
Information about research project: This project explores the contributions of V-type ATPases in the wing development of Drosophila melanogaster (common fruit fly) using RNA interference in conjunction with the GAL4-UAS system to silence the genes responsible for V-type ATPases’ creation.

Daniel Berry
Research Department: Physics and Astronomy Department
Location of Research: Western Kentucky University
Information about research project: Blazars are active galactic nuclei, black holes that spew out high energy gamma rays and other forms of radiation in the direction of Earth. As such, their magnitude (almost the same thing as brightness) greatly varies over time. We collect Blazar magnitude data (my Blazar is S5 0716+714) from the RCT and ZTF telescopes then compare that ground data to data from TESS, an orbiting telescope satellite. We modify magnitude measurements to match up on a plot to determine the calibration difference between ground telescopes and TESS. With magnitude data, research can go into determining more properties of the Blazar and the space around it.

Gracie Veith
Research Department: Chemistry Department
Location of Research: Western Kentucky University
Information about research project: This project focuses on creating polymer substrates that can act as substrates for photocatalysts. Photo catalysis is a method of water remediation and the porous polymer beads optimize the process of degradation. I specifically work with poly (methyl methacrylate) and poly glutamic acid.

Livi Ray
Research Department: Political Science Department
Location of Research: Western Kentucky University
Information about research project: This research is about dual partisanship which is the idea that a person can hold different political identities on different government levels.

Sara Nath
Research Department: Computer Science Department
Location of Research: Brown University
Information about research project: When doing research, I worked on developing machine learning models that can predict Alzheimer’s disease in single-cell datasets.

Vivianna Weaver
Research Department: Pathology and Lab Medicine Department
Location of Research: Brown University
Information about research project: I worked with Dr. Jessica Pavlick studying the effect of environmental toxins (specifically TCDD, a dioxin compound) on human neurological health using the zebrafish model. This research has been presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) and will be presenting at the American Academy of Science in February.

Braeden Patrick
Research Department: Earth and Atmospheric Pressure Department
Location of Research: Indiana University – Bloomington
Information about research project: My research focused on processing and studying the metal concentration in plants harvested from Bismarck Mine in Montana.

Laurel Patterson
Research Department: Biomedical Engineering Department
Location of Research: Purdue University
Information about research project: : During my research, I created computational models to measure neurite outgrowth.

Students not only can conduct research but also can present their findings at research conferences. Each student’s research mentor typically assists in identifying suitable venues for presentations. Some of the primary conferences where students can showcase their work include the Kentucky Academy of Science, Posters at the Capital, and the WKU Student Scholar Showcase. Participating in undergraduate research is a wonderful opportunity for high school students. Gatton provides various opportunities through research to help students explore fields that they are interested in.

By Gatton Academy

Costa Rica: Sea Turtles, Hammocks, and Gallo Pinto

December 7, 2023 | Lyla Wood, Study Abroad | No Comments

My first time on an airplane landed me in Liberia, the largest city in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. We only spent a couple days there, but they were unforgettable. Releasing baby sea turtles back into the ocean at the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station was like a scene straight out of a movie. My roommate and I patrolled 8 miles of beach with the researchers at Playa Grande, scanning the sands for turtle eggs. We enjoyed gallo pinto (Costa Rican beans and rice) at Kike’s and listened to our peers give presentations on various organisms and cultural facets of Costa Rica.

Our next stop was Cloudbridge, which instantly became my favorite place in the entire world. A private nature reserve in the Talamanca mountains, the entrance of Cloudbridge sits at an elevation of 5500 feet. Here, I was assigned to my research group, which consisted of 4 students, Cheryl, Dr. Martin Stone, and his wonderful wife Jolene. Our project was Herbaceous Biodiversity in Aging Cloud Forests. We spent hours outside, counting plants and hiking mountains. When we weren’t surveying plots of land, we were shopping in San Isidro, petting Gato (the local restaurant cat), or drinking Costa Rican coffee. We presented our research at the Cloudbridge Symposium and departed for Poor Man’s Paradise.

After days of aching legs and mountain hikes, falling into a hammock and doing yoga on our balcony was a welcome reprieve. Poor Man’s Paradise is aptly named (it really is a paradise!). Every night, we drank a different type of fruit juice and spent hours at the beach. We snorkeled at Isla del Caño and toured Parque Nacional Corcovado, catching glimpses of tapirs and sharks. At one point, I fell asleep on the boat ride over, jolting awake to a breathtaking ocean view.

Our return to the United States was bittersweet, and I had never been more exhausted. Now, I always have an easy answer to the question: “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?”

By Gatton Academy

Research at Gatton

August 16, 2023 | Tasha Otieno | No Comments

One of the ways Gatton stands out from typical high schools is through the various research opportunities offered. Gatton promotes research participation so students can explore their interests, meet new faculty and mentors, gain experience in a lab, and connect with peers in their field.

The various ways a student can participate in research include:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) Research: There are many research opportunities available just by being a part of Gatton. Since we are dually enrolled as high schoolers as well as WKU students, we have access to the same undergraduate research projects that typical WKU students have. We have the opportunity to be a part of faculty-led research projects in many different areas like agriculture, business, biology, chemistry, technology, psychology, communication, nursing, math, public health, etc.

Research Internship Grant (RIG): If you are unable to find research in your area of interest at WKU, RIG is a good way to participate in research at other institutions and organizations. Students already connected with WKU research can continue that over the summer through a RIG as well. RIG is a grant given to Gatton students who want to pursue research internships in the summer at WKU or other universities around the United States. Recently, Gatton students have conducted research at universities like Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Purdue University, University of Kentucky, Indiana University, University of Lousiville, Brown University, etc.

The Genome Discovery and Exploration Program (GDEP): The GDEP program is a two-semester commitment to undergraduate research during your junior year at Gatton. Students get the chance to participate in a hands-on research project both inside and outside of the classroom. Students explore different topics in biology and chemistry ranging from genetics and microbiology to biotechnology and ecology. I was a participant in this program when I first came to Gatton. It not only helped me learn basic lab techniques and gain research experience, but it opened up the doors for the future research opportunities I would get to be a part of.

Summer Research Opportunities: There are a lot of research programs available for both high schoolers and college students in the summer. As a Gatton student, you qualify for both of these programs. There are college institutions that have structured programs where high schoolers can conduct summer research or take summer courses like MIT’s Minority Introduction for Engineering and Science (MITES ) program or Aspirnaut’s Summer Internship Program for Highschoolers. Gatton students are able to apply for these programs and also undergraduate research programs as well like Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs.

Now the big question of how to get involved in these research opportunities. While it varies depending on circumstances and programs, there are a few tips I learned during my time here:

REACH OUT: I cannot stress this enough, if anything interests you, take the time to reach out to these programs/organizations/faculty to show them you are interested. This is a good way to see if they have open spots in their labs, if they are full, or be on their radar when they have an opening. This is also your chance to explain your career goals, interests, planned major, etc, and learn more about their projects. For summer research programs, I suggest applying even if you don’t think you’re qualified. You’ll miss out on many opportunities if you don’t try.
Use your resources: There are many opportunities for summer research and Gatton has staff here to help you find and get these opportunities. Our Assistant Director of Academic Services, Sam Earls, can help you find WKU research during the school year. Our Academic Opportunities Coordinator, Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, has composed a list of over 150 summer programs, internships, and research projects to help you find a good fit for you. Some of these programs require applications; others require resumes and interviews. The staff here are happy to help with reviewing essays and resumes, narrowing down your search based on your interests, and conducting mock interviews. All you have to do is reach out!
Do your own research: If you know you are interested in something or want to explore something in a specific area, you can look on WKU’s faculty page to see what research different professors are a part of. This is a good way to familiarize yourself with different projects here at WKU and see what’s out there. Once you find a few projects/areas that you like, reach out to let them know you’re interested. For external programs, read the requirements to make sure your qualify. Some programs have an age requirement, some have course requirements, and some have past research requirements. You can save a lot of time if you know this before applying. Looking at past research projects for specific programs can also help you determine if it is something you are interested in.

All in all, research is a great way to get involved in whatever area you are interested in. There are plenty of opportunities available if this is something you choose to do!

By Gatton Academy

Eight Seniors Enter the Siemens Competition

October 3, 2012 | Research | No Comments

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Eight Gatton Academy students recently completed the application process for the Siemens Competition.

Often called the Super Bowl of Science, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology recognizes remarkable talent early on, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school.

Derick Strode, Assistant Director of Academic Services, discussed the commitment needed to complete a Siemens application.

“The Siemens Competition is so much more than a scholarship contest. The entrants’ applications are the outcomes of a year’s work, the results from a summer spent not at the pool, but in 40-hour-weeks spent researching. In the Gatton Academy, entering this competition is as much like writing a thesis or dissertation as we have,” said Strode.

While completing the application can seem like a daunting process, Sibi Rajendran began working on his application that focused on his neuroscience research during the summer so that he would only have minor revisions to make when his fall coursework began.

“It was a long process with a lengthy application. I was continually working with my mentor. However, working on the project during the summer gave me a head start on the application so I only had small revisions to make during the first weeks of school,” said Rajendran.

Though the Siemens application focuses on a single research project, Sam Saarinen discussed how he learned more about the research process by completing the application.

“The Siemens Competition reinforced the practical aspects of conducting research. When doing research, attention to detail is important even though it takes time,” said Saarinen.

The Siemens Competition Semifinalists and Regional Finalist will be announced on October 19. The following student submitted an application for the Siemens Competition:

David Brown (Central City, KY 42330)
Nick Fedorka (Danville, KY 40422)
Matt Gonzalez (Brodhead, KY 40409)
Emily Gordon (Paducah, KY 42003)
Ryan Gott (Bowling Green, KY 42104)
Sibi Rajendran (Frankfort, KY 40601)
William Roach-Barrette (Wellington, KY 40387)
Samuel Saarinen (Shelbyville, KY 40065)

By Gatton Academy

Gatton Academy Students Present Research Findings at National Conference for Undergraduate Research

April 23, 2012 | Academics, News, People, Research, Students, WKU | No Comments

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Four second-year students at The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently shared research findings at The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).

Lydia Brothers, from Madisonville, Andrea Eastes, from Mayfield, Keaton Smith, from Alexandria, and Erin Walch, also from Alexandria, presented at the annual conference, held March 29-31, 2012, at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

NCUR promotes undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all disciplines. The conference provided undergraduate scholars in all fields and from all types of institutions of higher learning a forum to share the results of their work through posters, presentations, performances and works of art.

Derick Strode, the Gatton Academy’s assistant director for academic services explained that the conference was a new venue with a diverse audience for students to share their research.

“What we found is an open-minded forum that welcomes quality student projects from a wide-array of disciplines,” Strode said. “This is important because it allows our students a chance to collaborate with others who think about problems in very different ways than scientists or mathematicians.”

Established in 1987, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) has consistently been one of the largest national conferences for promoting undergraduate research, creative, and scholastic achievement. This two to three-day annual event draws hundreds of talented students representing over 400 colleges and universities nationally.

For Brothers, the variety of backgrounds and viewpoints can lead to interdisciplinary thought and discovery.

“I think the greatest value of NCUR to a student researcher was the availability of so many people who were involved in such a wide range of fields,” Brothers said. “Having researchers from such varied backgrounds who are truly interested and willing to challenge you with questions or provide you with alternate methods to improve your conclusions really gives you something positive to take back to the lab.”

An additional portion of NCUR includes plenary sessions led by nationally prominent speakers sharing their perspectives on educational policy, various programs and initiatives, funding opportunities for undergraduate research efforts, and career development.

Four out of five Gatton Academy graduates participate in a faculty-sponsored research project during their time at the Academy. The Gatton Academy supports students in such endeavors not only as a means of academic growth but also extending the program’s mission of providing rigorous learning experiences.

Keep reading to learn more about students’ research and comments from their faculty mentors.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Students, Alumna Honored in Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program

April 12, 2012 | Academics, Alumni, News, People, Research, Student Success, Students, WKU | No Comments

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Since 2006, WKU has led the state in recognition by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. This year, WKU placed among the top producers of Goldwater Scholars in the nation.

Michael Crocker, a second-year student in the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science from Bowling Green,; and Clarice Esch, an agriculture major and Gatton Academy alumna from Somerset, received scholarships to continue original research.

Lukas Missik, also a second-year student in the Gatton Academy from Danville, received an Honorable Mention in the national competition. Charles “Chadd” Coomer, a biology and chemistry double-major from Louisville, was WKU’s third award winner this year. Universities may nominate up to four students each year.

The students’ success stems from the emphasis placed on undergraduate research at WKU and in the Gatton Academy. Goldwater Scholars are selected based on their academic performance and potential for a research career.

“These students should be commended for demonstrating their future potential effectively through their outstanding research essays and research productivity to date,” said Dr. Kevin Williams, Goldwater faculty representative and associate professor of chemistry.

Each of the students worked closely with their mentors and the Office of Scholar Development to develop cogent applications, submitting numerous drafts over the course of several weeks. “The faculty who have effectively mentored these students in research and the classroom should be applauded for their efforts,” Dr. Williams said.

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to recognize the former senator from Arizona, the scholarship program identifies and honors students who excel in and are pursuing research careers in the sciences, mathematics and engineering. Winners receive $7,500 annually with which they can pay for undergraduate tuition, fees, books and room and board.

WKU is one of 24 institutions where each scholar nominated was recognized by the program. Out of more than 1,100 applicants nationwide, only 282 were selected as scholars and fewer than 200 others received Honorable Mention recognition.

WKU President Gary A. Ransdell commended the students on their willingness to take on ambitious research projects.

“The success these students demonstrate through this recognition shows what can happen when you pair excellent students with a caring, wonderful faculty and the support system available at WKU,” he said. “This is a tribute to their hard work and determination and the guidance and support of their faculty mentors.”

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By Corey Alderdice

Joyce Presents Research at World’s Largest Mathematics Meeting

January 19, 2012 | News, People, Research, Students, WKU | No Comments

What began as an independent research project for a student at WKU’s Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently led to a presentation at the largest annual mathematics meeting in the world.

Tennesse “Tucker” Joyce, a second-year Gatton Academy student from Harrodsburg, delivered an oral presentation titledUsing a Mathematical Model to Analyze the Treatment of a Wound Infection with Oxygen Therapy at the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society’s 2012 Joint Mathematics Meeting on Jan. 6. The conference brought nearly 7,200 mathematicians from around the world together for four-days in Boston.

While Joyce has previously presented his research findings at student conferences, the Joint Mathematics Meeting put him on-stage in front of a different kind of audience.

Second-year Gatton Academy student Tennesse “Tucker” Joyce of Harrodsburg presented his mathematical modeling research at the 2012 Joint Mathematics Meeting in Boston on Jan. 6.

“It was a different experience than previous conferences I’ve been to,” Joyce said. “Though the audience was not much larger, the people watching were experts in my field. I received some great questions and input after the talk, and I got to focus more on the results and significance than I usually do because I did not have to explain the technical mathematics as much.”

Joyce’s research is directed by Dr. Richard Schugart, assistant professor inWKU’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. “Tucker is the most gifted student that I have worked with. A professor at another university described his work at the level of a master’s project. I believe Tucker has the potential to be a research mathematician should he choose that as a career path,” Schugart said.

The project uses mathematics to investigate what is an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion problem a year in the medical treatment community. “My research involves analyzing a mathematical model, developed by Dr. Schugart, to describe the interaction of different cell types in a chronic wound. I presented analytic and qualitative results as well as several numerically generated diagrams,” Joyce said.

Schugart added: “Ideally, we would like to use the model and the mathematics behind the model to identify the amount of supplemental oxygen needed to eliminate a bacterial infection from a chronic wound.”

WKU faculty such as Dr. Schugart mentor Gatton Academy students in independent, extra-curricular research projects each semester; 85 percent of Gatton Academy students participate in independent research before their graduation from the Academy.

For Joyce, his research experience is helping develop his plans. “Research sounded cool to apply my knowledge to a problem with direct real-world significance,” he said. “My work on this project has shown me that I am interested in applied math, and I have recently been looking into that as a possible major in college and possibly a career.”

About the Gatton Academy: The Gatton Academy offers a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Sixty students each year are admitted to the program through a competitive process. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated residence hall. The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities and to prepare them for leadership roles in Kentucky. At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students will have earned at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school. In 2011, Newsweek magazine ranked the Gatton Academy fifth nationally among all public high schools as part of their annual “America’s Best High Schools” listing.

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

By Corey Alderdice

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