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’ll share insights from students who are the recipients of our 2012 grants.

Rising senior David Brown is spending his summer at WKU working in the Department of Chemistry under the mentorship of Dr. Hemali Rathnayake.  He is working on creating Novel Π-Conjugated Organic Macromolecules for use in electronic devices—particularly solar cells.

1. What does research mean to you as a young person interested in STEM?

Research means that I get to do what no one has ever done before and to improve upon the enormous accomplishments of those who have gone before me. It is the chance to gain new knowledge, ideas, and to hopefully make a positive contribution to the world. As a senior in high school, that is certainly an exciting way to spend my summer.

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

I plan to use my research to compete in the Intel Science Talent Search as well as the Siemens Competition. However, I am particularly interested in pursuing the Goldwater Scholarship. My current research should go a long way in helping me to be very competitive in these contests.

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

My favorite part about the Academy has to be the general acceptance and tolerance we all have. There are students from all different socio-economic backgrounds, Democrats and Republicans, deeply religious and those who claim no beliefs, and yet we still go out and play Frisbee together or ask each other for help on difficult assignments. Don’t get me wrong, we still argue and have our disagreements, but there is a sense of community here that is hard to find elsewhere.

4. What did you learn in your first year at the Academy that you think first-year students should know?

I felt somewhat overwhelmed my first day at the Academy. I wasn’t sure what to expect and was a little scared of the idea of attending college two years early, leaving friends, and sacrificing many opportunities at home. I still miss my friends very much and I am frightened when test day rolls around, but I know what to expect and feel even more determined to show the world what I can do.

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

In my second year at the Academy, I am looking forward to delving even deeper into my own personal interests. I completed most of my graduation requirements last year, meaning I get even more freedom in my class selections over the coming year. I will certainly be taking plenty of Chemistry, but there are a few other fields I would like to try my hand at as well.