Summer – Page 3 – The Gatton Academy News

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

Academy Students Dialogue with Peers, Industry Leaders at National Youth Policy Summit

August 29, 2011 | Academics, News, People, Research, Students, Summer | No Comments

Academy senior Rachel Metcalfe dialogues with fellow YPS conference participants.

by Michael Crocker, Academy Avatar

This summer three Gatton Academy students were given the opportunity to attend and participate in the 2011 National Youth Policy Summit.

Seniors Rachel Metcalfe, Samantha McKean, and Melanie Hurst spent one week in Keystone, Colorado where McKean says they “worked together to create a blueprint for a solution to the current energy crisis.”

Students were selected based on their answer to an essay. Hurst says that before the program began a great amount of effort was put into research and idea development. “We had to research an energy topic as well as a stakeholder to represent at the conference,” she said. At the summit, Hurst noted she worked with 35 students and 3-4 main instructors in the topic area. She also worked with the representatives of the stakeholder companies.

McKean says that at the conference around 40 students from a variety of National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools of Math, Science, and Technology schools each were assigned a different company that had to do with energy. The group eventually completed an 80 page policy recommendation booklet.

The group loved the Colorado setting of the conference. The mountain landscape in which students studied was equally enjoyable to their research. “Colorado [was] beautiful,” according to Hurst. “We were at 10,000-12,000 feet the entire trip and was right up there with mountains.” Although she said it was cold, she enjoyed being able to “say we threw snowballs in June.”

Metcalfe said her favorite part of the trip was a late evening hike where they got to see the sunset over the mountains to the west. McKean added that “the mountains were a really nice reminder of what we were working toward, which is a cleaner, healthier environment.”

Because all three Aacademy students were assigned a different company and had different experiences they all took away different lessons.

Hurst found that the real-world applications of the program expanded just beyond content knowledge. “The most important thing I learned was how to compromise and negotiate so that everyone wins a little in the end,” she said.

McKean talked more about how much she learned about energy and how it relates to the economy. “I learned a lot about how different parts of the economy would suffer if we completely just dropped oil, which is a major reason why we haven’t yet.”

Metcalfe found having to take a side in the debate to be very enlightening. “I gained so much more knowledge about all the aspects of our national energy dependency, especially from interesting perspectives.”

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Woodland Merriment Abounds at Robin Hood Festival

August 11, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer | No Comments

by Caroline Stivers

This morning we got up bright and early to head down to breakfast and then get on the road to go to the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest. While there we saw all sorts of medieval things from jesters to singing plague victims.

Upon our arrival we watched two incredibly silly jesters. They did things like juggle bowling pins with a person standing in between them and eating fire. After they finished their show we headed over to the jousting arena. Here we watched an amazing falconry show. During this we saw a vulture, two hawks and an owl. They did tricks like finding hidden mice and catching mice when they were thrown in the air. While the owl was doing this they were playing Hedwig’s Theme which made it about 10 times more awesome than it already was.

After the falconry show was over we hung around the jousting arena a little longer until the jousting tournament started. During this we got to see knights joust and sword fight. For the finale we saw a face-off between Sheriff and his enemy, Robin Hood, with Robin Hood, in the end, winning.

Next, we headed on over to Major Oak and saw Major Oak Mayhem. Starting this show off were the Singing Plague Victims. These were two dreadful people with sores and very long noses that reminded me very much of Pinocchio. While they sang their humorous songs they also played the trumpet and accordion. The next act after them was a fire eating and blowing pirate. He started his act off by asking a woman to come take his clothes off while he danced around. Then he started his real act by eating fire off of two torches and then fire blowing.

After this we started back towards the bus. On our way back we encountered a medieval peasant who tried to give us free kisses, which is a discount from his usual £2.50. Then, we headed back to Harlaxton Manor to prepare for class and prepare for our trip to London.

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Lake District Brings Students Waterside, Woodland Adventures

August 11, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer | No Comments

by Nathan Lasley

The day started with an elegant breakfast provided by our wonderful hotel, the Burnside Hotel, near Windermere. At 9:00 a.m. the Fighting Automatons met with Corey to set the ground rules for the day, and a day it would be, a free day to explore the Lake District. As soon as all was said and done the Fighting Automatons scattered like quail to hike, boat, or even mountain climb in the beautiful scenery of Lake Winderemere.

My group for the day decided to go on the hunt for a waterfall. In particular the Stockghyll Force in Ambleside located about five miles on the other side of the lake. With two modes of transportation available, a bus trip or boat tour, we settled for the scenic lake cruise. Our scenic lake tour took us up the lake crossing over the deepest point at a depth of about 240 feet. The view was absolutely beautiful. From the top of the boat you could see nearly the entire view of the lake; from the mountains seeming to touch the clouds to all the lush green pasture lands. It was breathtaking.

After our 30 minute cruise we landed at the Ambleside Pier and after a 20 minute walk ended up in the town of Ambleside. Once we arrived the search for the foot path to Stockghyll Force began. After about an hour of searching, getting side tracked by a large gem store, and getting turned around we finally found what we were looking for, the path to the falls. The trek up the mountain was steep and difficult but ultimately worth it. The falls were gorgeous and the water nice and cool. The peak even allowed some opportunities for perching.

After taking dozens of pictures and playing in the water at the bottom of the falls we began our hike back towards the pier. We grabbed a late lunch at a small local bakery before our mile walk from the town to the pier. Ready to head back we caught a later cruise back to Windermere. At five, the Fighting Automatons regrouped and those interested in the University of Chicago attended a meeting via Skype afterward with which they again split up for dinner.

Dinner consisted of fish and chips prepared fresh by a local restaurant, Vinegar Jones, whose fish was debated to be better than that of the Magpie in Witby. Dinner was followed by ice cream for dessert and some shopping before the town’s day ended. After a day like today sleep should not be hard to find. For tomorrow, off to Nottingham for the start of the Robin Hood festival. According to Corey, “There will be falconry.”

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Fun in the Most Unusual Ways at the Manor

August 6, 2011 | International, News, People, Summer | No Comments

Unplanned Activities around Harlaxton Manor
by Lori Lovell

While the last few days have been fairly unplanned, they have certainly not been uneventful. With beautiful weather outdoors, we have taken to our environment, enjoying the wonderful campus that Harlaxton College has to offer.

Hill-rolling has become a real excitement for us. Scouting out spots to roll has become a favorite among many of my peers. “I’m a hedgehog!” said Nick Zolman describing his experience rolling down one such hill. Providing many laughs and a few headaches, hill-rolling has definitely added some zest to daily life here at the Manor.

Soccer has also been a real outlet. We let our competitive sides shine last night with an epic game of footbol. During the intense game, Jon Warren showed his true determination to dominate, rivaling Gerard Butler’s fortitude in the action-film 300. Reflecting on the game, Jon disclosed, “It was a one sided game throughout, but when it came down to what really matters the most (penalty kicks), our team pulled out the victory.” The game was a real smash.

Shortly afterwards, scheming of a large game of capture the flag began. Exhausted from the intensity of our soccer game, a few of us left before the game’s start; it was time to hit the showers. From those that stayed, I hear the game was quite interesting. With the vastness and interesting terrain of the grounds of Harlaxton Manor, it took great technique and strategy to even enter the other team’s territory.

Worn out from our time outdoors, it was fortunate that this morning held the rare opportunity to sleep in. With a day trip to York and time in the Lake District ahead, today is looking like the perfect chance soak up some sun and revel in relaxation at Harlaxton Manor before continuing with our many adventures across England.

Just Another Evening at Harlaxton
by Daylynn Allison

It was a cool, calm night. The grass was slightly damp from the bouts of English rain. The various lighted windows of the manor sent eerie shadows sprawling across no man’s land. All was silent. Ten students, two territories, one objective: capture the flag.

With a quick exchange of “Pip pip, Cheerio”s between the captains, the game began. Suddenly there was a flurry of motion at one end of our border. Our sentry reacted quickly to take down the man sprinting across our turf, just barely catching him before he reached the edges of our boundary. He was our first prisoner. He was quickly joined by another who was caught in an attempt to rescue him. I stood by and snickered while they searched their prison for the flag, all the while keeping an eye out for their other three teammates who might come searching for the flag or attempt to release them. I knew it would never be found. We were too well prepared for them. We had two who had succeeded in sneaking across the border and were searching their territory for theirs, but the remaining three of us were well positioned to take out those who attempted to do the same. Over and over the opponent sent men and we pushed them back to no man’s land. Too soon, the game ended with the bell in the clock tower ringing out, signaling to us that curfew quickly approached. As neither side had even located the other’s flag, we called it a truce. Collecting our flags and discussing just how close we had respectively come to reaching our goal, we returned to the manor.

So went the events of last night. Some of us, or at least I, woke up sore this morning. Despite this, I believe, every moment I am allowed to spend with these people I have come to love is worth it. Living, working, playing, and travelling with others who understand me and are going through similar experiences is something I wouldn’t give up for the world. Just another evening with academy students? You decide.

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

[Harlaxton ’11] Moors or Less: Students Experience Haworth, Bronte Museum

August 2, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer, Video | No Comments

by Taylor Leet

Today, Academy students went on a day trip to Haworth to delight in the literary history that accompanies the West Yorkshire Moors. A silvery mist only heightened the supernatural sensitivity that goes hand in hand with an expedition to the West Yorkshire Moors. Stepping off the coach, we were met with a slight sprinkle of rain and hint of sunshine. As we made our way up and down the cobblestoned streets of Haworth Village, we took the chance to appreciate the quiet serenity so different from our recent experience in Bath. The streets were decorated in homey, quaint shops and intimate pubs. It’s easy to get caught up in the sights because not long after disembarking from our coach, we effortlessly managed to pass up our first destination, the Bronte Parsonage Museum. After a quick about-face, we trudged up the hill where we came to a place that was once home to three of the most critically acclaimed authors of all time.

Upon entering the Bronte household some, such as myself, we’re required to take a deep breath in order to soak it all in. After regaining our composure, the first wave of Fighting Automatons descended upon the rooms of the house and the secrets they hold. We were able to immerse ourselves in a world in which timeless literature had been woven into the fabric of time. The family parlor which lay immediately to our left still contained original letters and even the couch on which the infamous Emily Bronte passed away. It was in this room where classics such as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Tennant of Wildfell Hall had been written discussed and rewritten until they were finally the novels we know and love today. Stepping lightly up the groaning staircase, we eventually came upon a room containing first editions volumes of Jane Eyre and original poetry by Anne Bronte. Timeless pieces preserved in glass encasings so that many generations may enjoy them for years to come.

As the Bronte house faded into the landscape, though never fading from our memories, the group sectioned off and went about exploring the hillside village. Several students took a daring leap into a local candy store, Mrs. Leighton’s Sweet Shop, where they indulged in what Lori Lovell claims to be “the sourest candy she had ever tasted.” A word to the wise, take caution when treating one’s self to a ploom.

A handful of students ventured off to a local tea shop where they partook in the ancient ritual of tea and scones. The Earl Grey kept you warm and the scones decorated in rich cream and strawberry preserves provided a light meal. After gathering the troop, the automatons made their way back to their bus where the driver promptly whisked us off to the West Yorkshire Moors.

The moors are one of the few places in the world where serenity conspires with superstition to create a place in which fantasy and fiction possess the potential to become reality. Listen closely and you can hear the faint howl of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Traipsing up and down the narrow, rocky footpaths some began to lose their sense of surroundings. We easily began to understand how some get lost in the ups and downs of the Haworth Moors. But as the gloom faded into the horizon, students were dazzled by the cheerful sunlight and the breathtakingly blue skies. You could say that we got to experience the best of both worlds. After a couple of hours of frolicking in the heather bells and perching on jutting rocks, we said goodbye to the moors as we made our way back to Harlaxton Manor.

The day ended in a return trip back to Harlaxton where we enjoyed a traditional English meal of Mexican cuisine and banana tacos coated in powdered sugar. Dinner was followed by a private viewing of the 2011 Sherlock Holmes television series where students and Dr. Langdon discussed how the tale of the great detective has changed through time and in some ways, remained the same. But when the adults go away, the children must play. So while Dr. Langdon retired for the night, many students stayed behind to watch the “classic” B-movie, Orcs! After many good laughs, students retired to their rooms anticipating what the next week and half would have in store for them.

By Corey Alderdice

[Harlaxton ’11] Haworth Excursion Photos

August 2, 2011 | International, News, People, Photos, Students, Summer | No Comments

[flickr album=72157627218649793 num=50 size=Square]

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

[Harlaxton ’11] Cathedrals, Big Clocks, and Lots of Shops Mark Weekend Excursions

August 1, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer | No Comments

by Erin Walch

The weekend’s excursions were a hodgepodge of fascinating architecture, ancient history, and cultural immersion. Awaking from our slumber early on Saturday morning before boarding a bus, we later entered the quaint but bustling town of Salisbury, not at all expecting it to be the location of such a massive feat of architecture–Salisbury Cathedral. Complete with a garden, courtyard, chapter house, and the church proper, this exhibit kept us thoroughly busy. Our guide expertly merged history with architecture, telling us all about the unique aspects of the building, such as the mere four foot foundation supporting the massive structure. It was also a pleasant surprise for the history gurus in our group to come face to face with the original manuscript of the Magna Carta written in Latin. By the end of the tour, batteries were wearing down from all of the brilliant pictures we took.

Hopping back on our lovely tour bus, the Fighting Automations traveled to none other but the legendary monument–Stonehenge. Exploring this ancient monument provided insight into the skill and cleverness of a past civilization, and some of us began to realize the fascination the world holds for Stonehenge may not lie in its physical appearance, but its ability to directly connect us with ancient cultures. The reasons as to why this monument this built, how they possibly carried the stones and arranged them into their present resting places, and what significance this structure held in the past are all questions that pique our interest.

Finishing up our journey, we arrived at the University of Bath to place our belongings in our lodgings for later that night. Then, taking a public bus into the center of Bath, we were given instructions to wander about and not cause shenanigans till check-in at the University at 10:30 pm. Some of us ate dinner at the Cozy Club and reported a classy British dining experience, others munched goodies from the curiously named Boston Tea Party, and still others experimented with classic Thai at the restaurant Mai Thai.

Drastically different from the easy going atmosphere of the harbor town Whitby, it was easy to see how the elite, exclusive vibe of Bath has remained from past to present. The lunch receptions in the Pump Room and country dances in the Lower and Upper Rooms that Catherine from Northanger Abbey would have experienced in an earlier version of Bath has given way to posh restaurants, fashionable clubs and expensive shopping districts. Depending on whether you prefer finding fabulous clothing, searching for tasty eats, or celebrating life in the many energetic clubs, the city of Bath is another dimension of the England we are all beginning to know and love.

By Corey Alderdice

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