WKU – The Gatton Academy News

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

Square Roots and Square Dancing: Incorporating Dance into a STEM School

January 18, 2024 | Melanie Stewart | No Comments

When I was applying for Gatton, I heard a lot of questions about leaving sports behind; what I didn’t hear a lot about was leaving behind an Arts education. I started dancing when I was 3, and the arts have played an integral role in my life ever since. I was dancing 14 hours a week, choreographing musicals, and participating in the musical theater departments at my school and in my community. Due to all of my involvement in dance and musical theater, I was apprehensive, at first, to join a STEM program for fear that the arts would be left behind. However, it soon became apparent that my fear was all for naught!

First and foremost, WKU’s Department of Theater and Dance has allowed me to stay connected to my arts education. Certain dance classes are open to all students, but in my case, I auditioned to enroll in the level best suited to me. I had enough room in my schedule to take Tap III in my first semester of senior year and Tap IV the following semester. In these classes, most students are majoring or minoring in dance, and the passion and happiness of people who are doing what they love is inspiring. Enrollment in these classes also opened opportunities to attend productions of the WKU Dance Company and participate in the Dance Showcase where all dance classes for the semester perform. The professors in the Theater and Dance Department at WKU are so welcoming and made the process of joining their community of artists incredibly easy.

Additionally, a few of my friends formed the Gatton Dance Club during my senior year. Meeting once a week, my peers and I learned different dance styles, such as ballet or jazz, played Just Dance, or practiced student-choreographed dances to perform at showcases and talent shows. Our first Showcase was held on Halloween for Gatton students to watch and enjoy. This has been a great way to connect with my peers who are also passionate about the arts while living at a STEM school.

Maybe not as notable, but a just as fun way to stay connected to the arts, are the groupX classes offered at the Preston Center, WKU’s on-campus gym. Some classes offered that I participate in are Dance Fitness and Pilates. Preston Memberships are provided to all Gatton students, which includes free access to the gym and the classes they offer! It’s a great way to connect with WKU students and get involved in WKU activities without joining a club or sport.

All that being said, coming to Gatton was a scary transition because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pursue my other interests when I got accepted. However, through many different opportunities that arose, I was able to continue to grow in my love for dance while still learning and growing at WKU and the Gatton Academy.

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

Studying Abroad with Friends at Harlaxton

May 2, 2023 | Nishu Anekere | No Comments

As Gatton students, we have the unique opportunity to study abroad as high schoolers. This past summer, I went on the Harlaxton trip to England. Through this trip, I was able to visit a new country for three weeks while also taking care of a required English credit.

Being able to learn about English literature while in England was better than I could’ve ever imagined! Experiences like reading Shakespeare’s Sonnets one day and then visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace the next day were unforgettable.

The freedom we were given to explore the places we visited, whether we were wandering around Harlaxton Manor or sightseeing in London, was also a breath of fresh air from the traditional rigid structure of school trips.

However, the best part of Harlaxton was traveling with other Gatton students. Since only 50 students are randomly selected for the trip each year, Harlaxton creates a “subsection” of the Gatton community that may not include all your closest friends from Gatton. At Gatton, it can be easy to get caught up in friend groups that only consist of people who are on your floor, in your classes, do the same activities, and so on. As a result, you may never talk to those who don’t fall into one of the aforementioned categories. Harlaxton is a great way to “break out” of these groups and make new friends. The shared experience this small group has of attending class, working on group projects, and visiting new places together means that it becomes very close knit.

While on the trip, I found myself becoming good friends with people I’d never talked to before as we biked through the English countryside, watched The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and studied for quizzes we had the next day.

Regardless of whether I was with my new or old friends, being surrounded by them while exploring everything England had to offer was what made this trip unique. While I have had great experiences traveling abroad with family, the more casual nature of hanging out with friends like it was just another weekend was something that couldn’t be beaten. Of course, the difference was that instead of going to a local theater to watch a movie, we were going to Shakespeare’s Globe to watch The Tempest!

For those of you going on the Harlaxton trip or another study abroad trip, the following are a few things to keep in mind, so you can have as much fun as I did!

Don’t just stick with the friends you already have! – It can be tempting to only hang out with your best friends on the trip, but be sure to talk to new people as well. Since you’re in a smaller group, you might as well try to get to know as many people as you can.

Plan ahead! – You’ll be given a lot of free time at each of the places you visit on the trip. Figure out where you want to eat or what attractions you want to check out. Then, find other people who are interested in the same places. This can be a great way to meet others who share interests with you.

Branch out! – Don’t be afraid to try new things! You’re in a new country, so you should try to broaden your horizons with the new experiences that are offered. Whether it’s going to a restaurant with food you’ve never had before or going to a museum that may seem boring at first, diving into these new experiences will allow you to find new things you may enjoy and new friends along the way.

By Gatton Academy

Hoop Scholars

April 22, 2023 | Kenyan Wood | 2 Comments

Giving up the option to play high school basketball may have been one of the hardest decisions I had to make in coming to The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. Thankfully, it ended up being of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I have been able to play basketball more than ever.

At the Gatton Academy, during your enrollment, you are not allowed to play KHSAA sports, but this doesn’t mean you have to give up the sport completely. WKU intramural clubs offer a lot of options for sports that people play. These clubs allow you to compete in your sport of choosing and still receive that team experience that you would have had at your sending school.

Since my junior year, I have participated on Gatton’s intramural basketball team by the name of Florence Schneider Ball. Over these 2 years, I have had the ability to get closer with peers around me from Gatton while also playing the sport I love. Even in the games where we lost, it was still a great experience with my friends. The bond has been so strong that even when it is not during intramural season, we still organize to hoop with each other. During this most recent semester, our team made it to the semi-finals of the tournament! It was a close game that went to overtime, but we unfortunately lost by 1, 43-44. Even with the loss, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

As I said previously, even when it isn’t basketball season time, you are still able to play basketball at any time you please. On campus, there is the Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center where you can not only play basketball, but also enjoy the fitness center and classes, track, pool, and locker rooms. The center is open every day of the week and certain hours throughout the day, so you can attend any time you are able.

I strongly encourage participating in any club or intramural during your time here, whether it is basketball or not. You not only get enjoyment from the sport or club itself, but also friends that you can bond with outside of your leisure time. I have been able to meet some lifelong friends through the connection of just basketball, and it could be the same for anyone who decides to be a part of the community. I have felt at home, and while I may not be playing high school sports, I have felt as if my urge for it has still been fulfilled while being here. As they say, the possibilities are always endless.

By Gatton Academy

Family Matters

December 7, 2022 | 2022-2023, Avatars, Maria Pfeifer | 1 Comment

One of the challenges of coming to Gatton is staying connected with your family. Every student is different, with different attitudes toward how much they want to communicate with their family. For me, staying close to them was a huge priority.

I was born into a big family, having three older siblings. As I got older, that family grew, and I now have three younger siblings as well. I attribute everything about myself to my family, as they have shaped me into the person I am today.

TIPS FOR STAYING CLOSE TO YOUR FAMILY:

Get comfortable sharing about yourself! Whether you see your family in person or are on a phone call with them, you will get the classic, “What have you been up to?” question. Don’t shy away from it! Your family wants to hear from you!

Have the tough conversation(s) with your family. The easiest grounds for frustration come from a lack of communication on how much you want to communicate. Your parents may have their own expectations for communication that may not line up with yours.

Remember the big things…. Your family members will be so touched if you remember birthdays and anniversaries, so be sure to reach out at these times. Bonus points for grandparents.

…and ask about the small things! One of the hardest things about being away from your family is missing out on the small moments. While nothing replaces being with your family for these, make sure to ask about them, whether it be a younger sibling’s soccer game or the puzzle your dad is working on.

Set aside time for your family during closed weekends. Closed weekends are tough. Some Gatton students drive as many as 10 hours in one weekend to get home and back, while others live in Bowling Green. Either way, going home can be draining, so allow yourself a little bit of time to breathe, and then spend time with your family! The impulse is to spend time with our friends, and while that’s important, you’ll be with your family forever.

Be merciful with your younger siblings. There’s nothing like getting home after weeks of being in a new place and sleeping in your own bed for the first time only to be woken up by a five-year-old jumping on top of you. True story. Know that these moments where we find ourselves wanting to rip their heads off are moments to count to ten and smile because we have siblings that want to spend time with us.

Be active in the family group chat, and if you don’t have one, start one! Whether it’s talking about my brother’s garage band, my little sister stealing my mom’s phone to send emojis, or my dad complaining about large diet cokes no longer being $1 at McDonald’s, this group chat has been a huge source of small smiles throughout the day for me. It helps me feel connected to my family, and I know that my older siblings feel the same way.

Small phone calls! Gatton life can be busy, and sometimes it can be easier to take five minutes out of a few days each week to call your family members rather than a whole hour at once. Small phone calls can feel like passing conversations, which I love because it is almost like being back with your family. Walking to class is one of the perfect times to do this.

My older siblings were all able to come home for Labor Day and we got coffee with Gran!

By Gatton Academy

Newsweek Recognizes Gatton Academy as America’s Best High School

May 20, 2012 | News | No Comments

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The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WK U has been recognized byNewsweek magazine as the nation’s top high school.

America’s Best High Schools 2012, released online Sunday and in the May 28, 2012, print edition of the magazine recognized 1,000 schools from across the United States. The Gatton Academy was ranked fifth in 2011 list.

Rounding out the top five schools were The School for the Talented and Gifted Magnet (Dallas, Texas), BASIS Scottsdale (Arizona), School of Science and Engineering Magnet (Dallas, Texas), and BASIS Tucson (Arizona).

Newsweek’s methodology for their rankings sought to highlight schools that focus on providing solutions to the challenges of 21st century education and prepare students for both college and life. (To read more about the Newsweek list, visit http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/05/20/newsweek-ranks-kentucky-academy-as-america-s-top-high-school.html)

Each school’s score is comprised of six components: four-year, on-time graduation rate (25 percent), college matriculation rate (25 percent), Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests per student (25 percent), average SAT/ACT scores (10 percent), average AP or IB scores (10 percent), and AP courses offered (5 percent). (To view the complete list, visit http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/05/20/america-s-best-high-schools.html)

Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of the Gatton Academy, explained that the components of the methodology reflect the high-level learning necessary for successful students in a globally-competitive society.

“The United States has emphasized proficiency or grade-level learning to the exclusion of nurturing the talents of advanced learners,” Dr. Roberts said. “A promising future for our country is closely tied to the development of talent in science, mathematics, languages arts, the social sciences, and the arts. The purpose of the Gatton Academy is to extend learning opportunities for gifted students who live in all parts of Kentucky.”

WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell underscored the unique experiences available to Gatton Academy students and the role the campus community has in engaging students at the highest level.

“What a great tribute to everyone on our faculty and to the staff of the Gatton Academy,” Dr. Ransdell said. “The key has been the manner in which WKU faculty have involved these students in serious undergraduate research and opened up international experiences for them.”

Over half of Gatton Academy students engaged in study programs abroad during the previous academic year, with opportunities in Italy, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, China, and Taiwan. Moreover, 91 percent of recent Gatton Academy graduates participated in a research project sponsored by a university faculty mentor.

The program’s strategic partnership with WKU plays an important role in the development of students both in and out of the classroom, according to Gatton Academy director Dr. Tim Gott.

“This recognition would not have been possible without the full partnership we have with Western Kentucky University,” Dr. Gott said. “Having access to top professors and instructors, the university’s research facilities, and the support of the administration provides a pathway for advanced Kentucky students to be on equal footing with others across from the United States.”

Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations, also noted the recognition is something that should be shared with the more than 100 public school districts in the state that have partnered with the Gatton Academy to engage students from 107 Kentucky counties since the program’s inception.

“At the core of its mission, the Gatton Academy acts as an extension of the nearly 200 public high schools is the state of Kentucky,” Alderdice said. “These students excel not only because of the opportunities they have been provided by the Academy but also because of the preparation and experiences they have pursued at the elementary, middle, and early high school level in their home districts.”

The Gatton Academy, which opened in 2007 and is funded by the Kentucky General Assembly, is the commonwealth’s only state-supported residential high school with an emphasis in math and science. Roberts added that the announcement is the culmination of over a decade of advocacy to make the program a reality for Kentucky students.

“Fifteen years ago the idea for what has become the Gatton Academy was put forward,” Dr. Roberts said. “Ten years of advocating preceded its opening. Being recognized as the top high school in the country by Newsweek at the conclusion of the Gatton Academy’s fifth year is a dream come true.”

Contact: Corey Alderdice, (270) 705-3632; Dr. Julia Roberts, (270) 745-6480 or (270) 991-6355; Dr. Tim Gott, (270) 745-3605 or (270) 307-0135.

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.”

(more…)

By Corey Alderdice

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