5Q – Page 3 – The Gatton Academy News

Summer 5Q: Matthew Gonzalez’s Chemistry Research has Future Pharmaceutical Tie-in.

July 10, 2012 | 5Q, Research, Summer, Uncategorized | No Comments

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’re sharing insights from students who are the recipients of our 2012 grants. Matthew Gonzalez is the third spotlight in this summer’s series.

Matthew Gonzalez of Brodhead is continuing research this summer with Dr. Rajalingam Dakshinamurthy of the WKU Department of Chemistry. Matt is studying the interaction of Fibroblast Growth Factors with the drug myo-Inositol. Earlier this summer, we caught up with Matt on summer research and his thoughts on the Gatton Academy.

1. Will you be using your summer research as a launching point for any applications, competitions, or scholarships?

My research experience will definitely help me with future goals. I plan on using my research to enter into competitions, apply for scholarships, and attend research conferences to increase my experience. The Research Internship Grant has facilitated my research to an extent that wouldn’t have been possible if I was only performing research during the fall and spring semesters.

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

In the next ten years I can see myself completing medical school and finally having a real job. I aspire to be an MD for many different reasons but the Academy has put me on an express lane to help me get there.

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

During my second year at the Academy I can’t wait to be back with my friends. It’s odd to go from having your friends next door and seeing them every few hours to having almost no contact with them at all. I just can’t wait to get back and be with the lifelong friends that I’ve made.

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

The atmosphere is something unique to the Academy. I don’t think you could find our lifestyle anywhere else in the country. While it’s difficult to explain such a special thing I think it is my favorite part of Gatton.

5. How did you feel on your first day at the Gatton Academy? Now?

Scared is an understatement when I talk about my first day at the Academy. After a little while it felt like an extended camp. I was making all the friends I would normally and then classes came and I realized this was now my life. When I think about the Academy now, I think of home. It’s where I live and where I belong at this point in my life.

By Gatton Academy

Summer 5Q: Leah Cannady Studies Geothermal and Solar Systems at Ft. Knox

July 9, 2012 | 5Q, Research, Summer, Uncategorized | No Comments

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 is the second installment in this summer’s series where we share insights from students who are the recipients of our 2012 grants.

Leah Cannady of Brandenburg is spending her summer studying the efficiency of Geothermal Systems and Solar Panels across regions of the country. Her research is being conducted at the US Army Corps of Engineers at Ft. Knox under the guidance of engineer Thomas McQuary. We had a chance to catch up with Leah earlier this summer.

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

Spending my summer at the Corp of Engineers in Fort Knox, Kentucky has opened my eyes to a new field of study and expanded my interest in engineering as a career.

2. What is the part of the summer experience you are enjoying most?

The most enjoyable aspect of my research experience this summer has been meeting so many new people and making new connections with important people in the engineering field that can help me down the road. With jobs becoming so competitive, it’s important to have useful contacts in the field and I have made many of those this summer.

3. What has been the biggest change you have experienced in your first year at the Gatton Academy?

During my first year at Gatton, my biggest change has been self-reliance. I am now more self-sufficient and am capable of making important decisions and accomplishing tasks on my own.

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

The Gatton Academy gives us as students the privilege of studying such a rigorous curriculum at such a young age at no cost, therefore making students want to give back—whether it’s financially or through service, benefitting Kentucky in the long run.

5. What did you learn on your first day at the Academy that a new student should look out for?

On my first day at the Academy, I was terrified and knew no one. Now, I consider it my home and have met so many great people that I know will be life-long friends.

By Gatton Academy

Summer 5Q: David Brown continues research in WKU’s Department of Chemistry

July 2, 2012 | 5Q, People, Research, Summer | No Comments

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.

By Gatton Academy

[New Year, New Staff] Graduate Assistant, Academy Alum Tyler Clark to Assist with Academic Success

September 20, 2011 | 5Q, Academics, Alumni, News, People, Staff | No Comments

[fblike style=”standard” showfaces=”false” width=”450″ verb=”like” font=”arial”]

With the start of a new year at the Gatton Academy comes several new personalities to the staff. We are excited about these passionate and dedicated individuals who have joined our team. They come to us from different parts of the country with a host of varied experiences. Over the last few weeks, the staff has had a chance to get to know each other. It’s now your chance to meet the new faces behind the Academy. Each day this week, we’ll profile a new staff member.

Academy Avatars sat down with each new staff member to post ten questions in hopes of getting to know them better. Avatars came up with a few questions that they asked each person. Each Avatar also posed unique questions of their own choosing to ask as well.

Interview by Andrea Eastes, Academy Avatar

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am 21 years old and currently pursuing my masters in mathematics. I graduated from the Honors College in May 2010. My thesis, entitled “Counting Locally Convex Topologies on a Totally Ordered Finite Set,” was directed by Dr. Tom Richmond and my second reader was Dr. Dominic Lanphier. I enjoy playing piano, reading, web design, etc. I am also senior editor of the AMS Grad Student Blog. — You can access my CV at http://tylerclark12.com/TylerClarkCV.pdf

2. Why did you decide to join the Gatton Academy staff?

Tim Gott offered me the position a bit ago. I met with him to discuss the position and found it a good fit. I will be able to help Gatton students learn and I will be able to do math simultaneously.

3. Are you excited for the coming year?

I am very excited for the upcoming year. I look forward to meeting all of the students and growing with them.

4. What role do you wish to play in the Gatton Academy students’ lives?

I want to be able to help mold students’ student skills to help them become more successful college students.

5. What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to getting to know the students and seeing them mature academically and emotionally.

6. How did being an Academy student affect you?

The Academy allowed for me to get a head start on college courses. Furthermore, it opened a lot of doors that provided me the opportunity to perform undergraduate research.

7. Do you think that having been through the experience of the Academy will help you to better serve the needs that students may have?

I feel that my experiences in the Academy will allow me to better understand needs of students. This will allow me to guide them to optimal learning.

8. Is there any advice that you’d like to give to students?

Students should take advantage of the resources on campus. Make sure you get involved in research you enjoy with a professor with whom you work well. Research is what will set you apart from other students.

By Gatton Academy

[New Year, New Staff] Meet Residential Counselor Brimah Vonjo

September 14, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Staff | No Comments

[fblike style=”standard” showfaces=”false” width=”450″ verb=”like” font=”arial”]

With the start of a new year at the Gatton Academy comes several new personalities to the staff. We are excited about these passionate and dedicated individuals who have joined our team. They come to us from different parts of the country with a host of varied experiences. Over the last few weeks, the staff has had a chance to get to know each other. It’s now your chance to meet the new faces behind the Academy. Each day this week, we’ll profile a new staff member.

Academy Avatars sat down with each new staff member to post ten questions in hopes of getting to know them better. Avatars came up with a few questions that they asked each person. Each Avatar also posed unique questions of their own choosing to ask as well.

Interview by Logan Eckler, Academy Avatar

What did you do before you were hired by the Gatton Academy?

I started my career in higher education as a resident adviser when I was an undergraduate student at California State University Monterey Bay. I accepted my first professional residential life position at Laramie County Community College and before here I was at Talladega College in Alabama.

Why did you want to become an RC?

The gifted students at the Academy are the major selling point for me.

What do you think is, or will be, your favorite part about the Academy?

Being a part of helping students meet and even exceed their own expectations.

How does the Academy improve the Kentucky education system?

The Academy offers students both the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards of being properly challenged and overcoming those challenges.

How do you hope to improve the Academy experience?

I hope to offer perspective and encouragement and to make a contribution to creating the type of environment that inspires students to do their best to be their best.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to take full advantage of educational and professional development opportunities that I may have to better serve students, while reaching some of my own personal goals.

The juniors were given the opportunity to write about their hypothetical experiences in a zombie apocalypse. How would you serve as a leader in said situation?

Movie history has shown us that for some reason I would not survive very long in that scenario. I strongly suggest that you find alternate sources of leadership.

By Gatton Academy

[New Year, New Staff] Scott Wolfe Assumes New Role as Lead RC

September 13, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Staff, Student Life | No Comments

[fblike style=”standard” showfaces=”false” width=”450″ verb=”like” font=”arial”]

With the start of a new year at the Gatton Academy comes several new personalities to the staff. We are excited about these passionate and dedicated individuals who have joined our team. They come to us from different parts of the country with a host of varied experiences. Over the last few weeks, the staff has had a chance to get to know each other. It’s now your chance to meet the new faces behind the Academy. Each day this week, we’ll profile a new staff member.

Academy Avatars sat down with each new staff member to post ten questions in hopes of getting to know them better. Avatars came up with a few questions that they asked each person. Each Avatar also posed unique questions of their own choosing to ask as well.

Interview by Sammi Hawtrey, Academy Avatar

What does your new role entail?

As head RC, I will be taking a lead in planning, organizing, and scheduling weekend activities, sign-ups, advising role for programming.

How is it different from last year?

Everyone will sign up and pay for activities with me directly, rather than at the front desk. We will create Facebook groups for event information, and weekend activity notifications will be sent out twice a month instead of weekly.

How will your new position affect students?

Because event information will be primarily through Facebook, they will be less inundated with e-mails. This will help keep them from signing up for events they aren’t planning on going to. It will also help with innovation, as students give me feedback about what they do and don’t want to participate in.

What are you looking forward to most?

I’m definitely excited to see how the changes in programming affect the way student activities are done. I am also interested in seeing the different dynamics of a new wing with fewer students.

What made you want this role?

I thought I could bring something to the position. Using my experience of the past five years, I hope to plan some really interesting events. My application to the position stemmed from a desire to be a good program leader.

Why were you selected for it?

While all of the RCs are highly qualified individuals, I believe I was chosen for my experience. I’ve been here since we opened and seen how we’ve run things from day one. I can bring things back that were done in the first years.

What do you hope to contribute with your new role?

I hope to bring perspective and new style to activities. My goal is to challenge us to think outside the box and come up with new ways to do the wing programming.

By Gatton Academy

5Q: Lukas Missik Attends RSI at MIT

August 29, 2011 | 5Q, Academics, News, People, Research, Student Success, Students, Summer | No Comments

Interview by Erin Walch, Academy Avatar

Academy senior Lukas Missik ventured to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this summer to participate in the Research Science Institute, a prestigious program run by the Center for Excellence in Education that admits 80 of the world’s most innovative young thinkers to MIT’s campus.

For three weeks, RSI students advance themselves in the STEM fields by designing unique research plans under the supervision of host laboratories at MIT. Lukas graciously provided insight into what this interesting program is about, and why junior students at the Gatton Academy should apply for it this year. Below, Missik answers some key questions concerning RSI at MIT.

1. What was the purpose of the program you attended this summer?

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is an international program run by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) and held at MIT. Its purpose is to educate rising high school seniors in developing and executing original research. Over six weeks, students work with a mentor on a research project, ultimately producing a final report and formal presentation. To enrich and facilitate this process, students take first week classes on subjects in the sciences and humanities, attend lectures by leading professors and researchers, and have access to many of MIT’s research facilities.

2. Did the program affect your future educational and career plans?

RSI has helped solidify my interest in computer science. I am now considering a major in CS with focus in Artificial Intelligence. The great thing about RSI is that it exposed me to the most exciting parts of many different fields of study. Even though we ultimately choose a specific concentration, RSI taught me to keep an open mind and work with other disciplines.

3. What was your favorite aspect of the program?

One of my favorite aspects of the program is its incredible diversity–in both students and ideas. There are students from all over the country and the world who provide unique cultural context to research and activities. There are people interested in almost every field of science that I was able to talk to. The community at RSI is definitely one of its strong points.

4. Why should interested students in our junior class at the Gatton Academy participate in this program?

Interested juniors should apply to this program because it provides an invaluable experience. It helps students learn how to perform high quality research and share their findings. Many successfully use their RSI research in competitions such as Siemens and Intel. RSI also connects them to an extensive alumni network which will help them in their professional careers. Participation in the Institute also looks great on a resume and increases the chances of getting accepted to top-tier schools like MIT.

For more information on the RSI experience at MIT, visit: http://www.cee.org/programs/rsi

By Corey Alderdice

5Q: Anthony Gutierrez Studies Locomotor Dysfunction at WKU Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Center

August 4, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Research, Students, Summer | No Comments

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 2011 grants.

Anthony Gutierrez (’12) of Mount Washington is performing in Dr. Alexander Rabchevsk’s lab at the University of Kentucky’s Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, studying locomotor dysfunction after spinal cord injuries.

1. Tell us a little about the research experience in which you are participating this summer that the Research Internship Grant is funding.

This has been a wonderful research experience so far. From the very first day I was experiencing the daily life of my lab, which revolves around Spinal Cord Injury. I have worked with equipment that cost $200,000 dollars, such as a Crysectioning Machine, which is used to cut small section of the spinal cord. Honestly, in these three weeks, I have experienced so much, yet I know there is still more to discover and work on. I have enjoyed my lab mates, as they are all fun to be around, yet they know how to get their work done and are willing to be patient with me and teach me how to do certain procedures. This is because my lab revolves around a certain motto: “Watch it, do it, teach it.”

2. What is the part of the summer experience you are enjoying most?

I believe the part of this summer experience that I enjoy the most is the freedom, as I don’t feel pressured to go to bed a certain time, or feel as if I have to go somewhere. I am on my own schedule, so I can study as long as I want, but I am also allowed to have free time. Also, I love how much time I spend on research, which is approximately 9 hours a day. It seemed like a lot at first, but I feel that I get a lot done in a day than I normally would with my old research, where I only stayed for 2 hours and only 2 times a week. So, I get a lot more done.

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

I know it is different by speaking with all of my old friends who are still in high school. I have been receiving the same answer, where they are usually working, going to GSP, or doing nothing at all. I can’t blame them, as I would probably be working a summer job if I didn’t attend Gatton, as I wasn’t exactly interested in research before the Gatton Academy. It seems that it changed my whole mindset towards summer, as all I wanted to do was take part in research.

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

I plan on attending Medical School, so this gives me a head start on my interest and resume. I plan on being a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, so both can deal with the spinal cord. As I am already learning clinical techniques, such as taking care of the patient pre and post-surgery, I am getting a head start on my education.

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

I can’t wait to start up classes and meet back with all of my classmates. I enjoyed being with all of my classmates, and I truly do miss them this summer. As for classes, I can’t wait to start taking higher level biology classes.

By Corey Alderdice

5Q: Will Bickett Studies Doppler Shift Effects at WKU Applied Physics Institute

August 2, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Research, Students, Summer, WKU | No Comments

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 2011 grants.

William Bickett (’12) of Owensboro is conducting research this summer with Dr. Phillip Womble at WKU’s Applied Physics Institute.

1. Tell us a little about the research experience in which you are participating this summer that the Research Internship Grant is funding.

I have been working on subjecting samples to neutron radiation and measuring the emitted gamma-rays at various angles in my research over the summer. I’m doing this in order to get a better feel for how the Doppler Shift effects the readings of gamma ray based explosive detectors. My research requires me to do a large variety of things, from working in the machine shop, creating various components of our setup, to running complex and expensive equipment such as neutron generators.

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

I will ideally use my research to participate in the Siemens Competition, try for a Goldwater Scholarship, and several other endeavors.

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

This research experience has allowed me to get first-hand experience in the type of workplace that I hope to one day end up in.

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

The thing I am looking forward to most about my senior year at the Academy is probably my new residential situation. ADA Room: Check, Cool Roommate: Check, Cool Suitemates: Check, Girls wing of the building: Check.

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

The thing I love most about the Academy is that its full of kids like me and that I feel like I belong there.

By Corey Alderdice

5Q: Tucker Joyce Continues Research Using Math to Explore Chronic Wound Healing

July 28, 2011 | 5Q, News, People, Research, Students, WKU | No Comments

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 2011 grants.

Tennessee “Tucker” Joyce (’12) of Harrodsburg is working with Dr. Richard Schugart of the WKU Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, continuing his research that started at the beginning of his Academy experience.

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

Research to me means that I can work creatively on a new, unsolved problem. It means that the work I am doing here can have an impact on the world and help people.

2. Tell us a little about the research experience in which you are participating this summer that the Research Internship Grant is funding.

This Summer I am doing research under Dr. Richard Schugart in the WKU Mathematics Department. I am working on part of an ongoing project involving a new model of the process of wound healing for chronic wounds. I am working mostly with the mathematical aspect of the problem, gaining qualitative results and estimating parameter values.

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

Yes, definitely. I plan on applying to the Siemens Competition, Intel Competition, and probably some others too. The research experience here lends itself naturally to such competitions and this is one of the great benefits of doing research.

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

I feel that the Gatton Academy’s main benefit to Kentucky is to allow young people with potential to better use it. Graduates of the Gatton Academy are prepared to succeed in college more than they ever would be otherwise and will probably go on to improve Kentucky after college more than ever thanks to the opportunities they received at the Gatton Academy.

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

The thing I love most about the Gatton Academy is the idea that 128 of the most gifted students in the state are able to live and work together in one place. I feel that students as talented as those at the Gatton Academy can achieve much more when they can communicate with each other. The Gatton Academy creates a unique community in which this is possible and the opportunities that this provides are what I love about the Academy.

By Corey Alderdice

Recent News

Category: 5Q