Tag Archive : Adventure Week

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Students Gain First Impression of Faculty, Academic Explorations at Annual Research Fair

August 23, 2011 | Academics, News, People, Research, Staff, Students, WKU | No Comments

by Andrea Eastes, Academy Avatar

As Adventure Week continues, juniors were exposed to even more aspects of the Academy, in particular, research.

On Monday afternoon, faculty from many academic departments at WKU including Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, and Physics, joined together in Florence Schneider Hall for the annual research fair.  During this time, professors set up boards about their research on the second and fourth floor common areas so that students could not only learn more about what they are doing but also become involved in it.

Junior Erica Plummer said that she found the research fair “very helpful, and it assisted in motivating me to want to participate in research this semester at the Gatton Academy.”

She also commented on the wide diversity of the fields of study represented and how well professors explained their respective fields.  In fact, there are not very many places where one can find a professor discussing his work on knot theory alongside one that is displaying his dung beetle collection.

Attending the fair also allowed students to talk to professors face to face about their research and ask any questions that they might have.  Henry Uradu, a junior, commented that being able to have those conversations in person gave him a better idea about professors’ personalities and the meaning of their research.  He also added that those connections are superior to just reading about research because he could “see exactly what they were working on and how many hours I would be required to put in weekly.”

While Henry found the diversity in the biology department which ranged from ecology to cancer research to nanobiology, Shane Masuda found the geology research and physics research to be particularly fascinating.  Other students, such as Plummer found mathematics research to be where their interests lie.

Derick Strode, Coordinator for Research, Internships, and Scholarships, was the staff member behind this gathering twenty-five faculty members for the fair.  He and Residential Counselor Sue Meador began organizing the fair in early July.

Strode spoke to the “display of their commitment that we had so many faculty join us on Monday.”

He also commented on the importance of the experience for both students and staff: “For Gatton Academy students, I want research to be a means of career exploration–a way to confirm what they’ve always wondered if they would enjoy.  I want our students to find the thing that they love studying.  Students who find this passion have fun with their research.  It becomes an outlet, like a hobby.  For the faculty who work them, it’s an awesome feeling to mentor a student who shares their same passions.   In fact, many faculty say that having a Gatton Academy student work with them is like having a graduate student researcher.”

All in all, the research fair was a success for both faculty and students.  Both were able to make meaningful connections with each other and many doors were opened for the possibility to do research this semester.

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By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy First-Year Students Eager for Research Experiences

August 27, 2010 | Academics, News, People, Research, Staff, Students, WKU | No Comments

Dr. Claus Ernst discusses his research with an Academy first-year student.
Dr. Claus Ernst discusses his research with an Academy first-year student.

by Michael Phillips, Academy Avatar

Derick Strode, Coordinator of Research, Internships, and Scholarships at the Gatton Academy, knows the subjects and conversations that get students excited about math and science.

Earlier this week, Strode invited a group of Western Kentucky University faculty members from Ogden College of Science and Engineering and the College of Education and Behavioral Science to the Academy to discuss with students their latest scientific discoveries. The conversations were meant to serve as a springboard for opportunities to participate is sponsored research throughout the coming year.

When students arrived at the research fair they quickly moved toward professors who taught subjects in which they shared an interest. A few students took a short break to explain why they were in such a rush.

Gabby Canant (Daviess, ’12) said she was very interested in research because she found it to be an outlet for her to learn new things.

Claire Croley (Whitley, ‘12) believed research would give her the ability to explore new ideas.

Nicholas Zolman (Montgomery, ’12) loves astronomy. He can’t wait to begin research and find out more about the universe.

Rachel Metcalf (Henry, ’12) thinks research will be an opportunity to explore her interests outside of the classroom.

The research fair marked the first occassion many student had to meet WKU faculty members.
The research fair marked the first occassion many student had to meet WKU faculty members.

Many seniors at the Gatton Academy were glad to see juniors taking such an interest in research. Sean Freeman (Boone, ’11) views research as a critical part of the Academy experience. “I enjoyed research because I was able to narrow down my interests to a specific area and tailor my Gatton academy experience accordingly,” he said. “I did research my first semester and I’m happy to see juniors to have the same opportunity.”

Dr. Cathleen Webb, head of the Department of Chemistry, worked with many Academy students during the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) on campus this summer. She was to praise Academy students and their contributions. “Gatton students are very eager,” Webb noted. “I have a hard time keeping them busy.”

Dr. Webb also mentioned that the students’ abilities to learn new concepts were well above average.

Dr. Peter Hamburger, head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, along with Dr. Bruce Kessler, Associate Dean of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering and a professor of mathematics, also emphasized traits that make Academy students an asset to faculty members’ labs and projects.

Dr. Hamburger emphasized how unique Gatton students are in how open they are to ideas. He suggested that Gatton students also know how to utilize their natural talents in order to creatively approach problems. Dr. Kessler agreed that Gatton students were excellent students to work with.

Dr. Albert Meier and Dr. Scott Grubbs of the WKU Biology department have had multiple research experiences with Gatton students. While Dr. Meier acknowledged Academy students are only available for a limited time, he praised their commitment to research. “We can only expect the majority of students to be with us for two years but, they have outstanding dedication,” he said.

Overall the staff, faculty, and students counted the research fair as a success. Students left the session very eager to begin research this semester.

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By Corey Alderdice

Academy Students Connect with WKU President, Faculty at Annual Picnic

August 26, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments

WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell greets members of the Class of 2012.
WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell greets members of the Class of 2012.

by Kelsey Wagner, Academy Avatar

It has become a yearly tradition for the new arrivals at the Gatton Academy to travel to the home of Western Kentucky University President Dr. Gary Ransdell for a casual dinner on his front lawn as part of Adventure Week festivities. The picnic is generally held as a casual interaction between new students and staff, and serves  as a great way for people to get to know each other in an informal setting.

Dr. Bruce Kessler, the Associate Dean of Odgen College and an Academy trigonometry professor, views the picnic as a great to ease students fears about interacting with faculty on campus.

“The students are all a little nervous right now, and I hope to reassure them that I’m actually a human being,” he said. “We’re here to reassure folks that it’s gonna be okay.”

Exemplifying the casual and friendly atmosphere upheld at the annual dinner, Kessler joked that “there are a few students who were complaining about the cost of textbooks. I said, ‘Hey, your trig book is free!’”

Student play bocce ball after dinner.
Student play bocce ball after dinner.

President Ransdell values this chance for building student-staff relationships, disclosing that “I want to get to know them personally and individually and I want them to grow confident and comfortable with the WKU experience.  I want to lead by example and help lead the way for them to come to understand what we’re about as an institution and what they’re in for at the Gatton Academy experience. ”

As Ransdell mingled about the tables of dining juniors, patting them on the backs and making amiable conversation, he asked them about their experience so far.  The cookout was a very friendly and comfortable setting, which, according to Ransdell, is a good thing. When asked why the President began the now-tradition of inviting new Academy attendees to the annual picnic, he said, “First of all, to get to know them. It’s an honor to have Gatton Academy students on our campus for the next few years.”

Apparently, lounging on the lawn of the leader for a luncheon is relatively commonplace, when it comes to letting the faculty get to know some of WKU’s most extraordinary people.  “Just last week we had all of the first year international students here, and next week we’ll have all of the first-year honors students here,–about 3oo of them. Last week we had eleven teachers from China that are in our Confucius Institute that are teaching Chinese at local schools. We have lots of student and faculty groups here at the President’s home,” added Ransdell to the group.

Overall, the easygoing atmosphere and low-pressure, congenial spirit at the cookout was an equally good experience for both students and staff; they dined at the same tables, played each other in games of bocce ball and corn-hole, and generally got to know one another outside the meeting halls and classrooms.

“I had a great time interacting with kids at my table, and they were very sweet, and seemed nervous, but I think that’s to be expected,” noted Kessler.

Ransdell assures this is not the last interaction he will have with the Class of 2012 during their time on campus. “I’m just excited about this class of Gatton Academy students and cannot wait to get to know them,” he said.

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By Corey Alderdice

Schneider Hall Fills with New Students, New “Stuff” as a New Year Begins

August 26, 2010 | News, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

Community Leaders assisted students in moving their possessions into Schneider Hall.

by Brandon Kerr, Academy Avatar

What am I forgetting?

The majority of students coming to the Academy for the first time frantically asks this question countless times before move-in. They check and recheck their boxes and bags, ensuring they do overlook something of importance. Each student tries to bring items to the Academy that will help them to feel comfortable, prepared for classes, and more at home during their stay.

On Sunday, the unpacking process began. The student Community Leaders (CLs) helped incoming student transport their belongings from vehicles behind Schneider Hall to place where they would call home for the next many months. While helping unload, several of the students look over their peer’s possessions.

“Oh my gosh! That’s so cool! He has a pirate chest!” shouted Sydney Combs (Laurel, ’11) elated at the site of another student’s wooden trunk. Several times a unique piece of furniture turned out to prove as an effective ice breaker, sparking conversation between the CLs and the arriving students, with parents often being involved as well.

As students settled in and boxes emptied on Sunday, several of the new juniors could be seen sporting their personal treasures. “Dude, how awesome is this?”, asked Austin Taing (Warren, ’12) showing off his Pokémon towel to his suitemates.

Rebecca Brown (Nelson, ’12) proudly sported a silver necklace. Upon further inspection, it became apparent that it was more than just a fashionable piece of jewelry. One of her favorite possessions, the necklace consists of a D20 (a twenty sided die) wrapped in a spiral of silver, functioning as a pendant. “I feel like it just screams geek, but I still think it’s pretty cool.”

As a school that is often considered—if jokingly–to house only geeks, it’s strange to find that some of the most striking items are completely unrelated to academia. Rose Nash, residential counselor, commented on how she thinks the most unique items are often those with a “strong, and personal background.” Students often bring baby blankets, woven baskets, stuffed animals, or other items worthless in all regards but sentimental. Many feel that they help relieve homesickness, and help to make their room feel more comfortable.

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By Corey Alderdice

[Video Blog] Gatton Academy First-Years Discover Research Opportunities During Fair

August 24, 2010 | Academics, News, People, Research, Staff, Students, WKU | No Comments

[Video Blog] Gatton Academy First-Years Discover Research Opportunities During Fair from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.

Faculty from Ogden College of Science and Engineering and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at WKU met with Class of 2012 students to discuss opportunities to engage in research.

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By Corey Alderdice

Parents Experience Mixed Emotions as Students Begin Their Academy Experience

August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

A family unpacks as part of move in for the Class of 2012.
A family unpacks as part of move in for the Class of 2012.

by Krysta Waldrop, Academy Avatar

Emotions ran high on Sunday as parents helped their children move into Schneider Hall.  For many families this was the first time they unloaded a car on a university campus–two years earlier than when the average student would leave for college.

Every parent handled the situation differently: some families encouraged their teens to socialize with other students in the common areas while others chose to spend most of their time together before departing.

Throughout the various meetings which took place during the day, parents asked a variety of questions, ranging from living arrangements to major traveling opportunities offered by the Gatton Academy.

Many parents were anxious about permitting their child to go into the care of strangers at such a young age and sad to see their teens leave.  One parent stated, “I’m excited for my son, but it’s sad.  I’ve been crying all week.”

Other parents, instead, had a lighthearted approach. “Well, I’m okay, and he’s certainly happy that I’m leaving now,” laughed a parent as she toted empty boxes back to her vehicle.   Overall, they appeared to be reluctant to depart, but it was also apparent they were aware of, and passionate about, the countless opportunities that were now available to the new Academy juniors.

For some families, this wasn’t their first experience with the Gatton Academy; the Class of 2012 contains several students who are the siblings of former and current Gatton Academy students.

The Missik family, parents of Justine Missik (Boyle, ’11) and Lucas Missik (Boyle, ’12) were asked to compare their two experiences with letting their children attend the Academy.  “It’s certainly easier this time; we aren’t as anxious,” noted their mother, Christine. “We know the people who work here and we know more about the program, so there’s less to worry about.”

The Class of 2012 has another student whose parents are familiar with the Gatton Academy, but not in the same fashion as the Missiks.

Dr. Claus Ernst and Dr. Uta Ziegler, two professors at Western Kentucky University, moved their son, Markus Ernst (Warren, ’12) into Florence Schneider Hall this year.  The two WKU professors currently teach Computational Problem Solving and helped to originate the course during the program’s first year.

Ernst and Ziegler are very involved with the Gatton Academy and are often in contact with the Academy Director Tim Gott as well as other staff members.  “This will be much less difficult for us than it will be for other parents who are here today,” said Dr. Ziegler. “We know a lot about the Academy, and we’ve worked closely with them for a long time.”

As the day came to a close, the remaining parents were required to leave.  Despite their anxiety and reluctance to see their children living similarly to traditional college undergrad, they left feeling optimistic.  Several parents noted that while it is hard to have a child leave the house, the Gatton Academy provides each student with an incredible experience filled with so many opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

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By Corey Alderdice

Class of 2012 Arrives to Smiling Faces, Big Adventure

August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

Incoming student Gabby Canant is greeted by Community Developer Tina Stottman upon arrivial for Adventure Week. (photo by Suzanne Van Arsdall)
Incoming student Gabby Canant is greeted by Community Developer Tina Stottman upon arrivial for Adventure Week. (photo by Suzanne Van Arsdall)

by Sydney Combs, Academy Avatar

Early Sunday morning, a small army of Community Leaders stood–clad in bright green Gatton Academy attire–ready to swarm the first Class of 2012 student to arrive.  When that lucky junior pulled into the parking lot at 8:15 in the morning, swarm the upperclassmen did.

Like kids to free candy, the Community Leaders flocked to each incoming junior and their family, transporting their belongings from the car to their room before they could even turn around.  After a day of trucks and trunks filled with bins and duffel bags, all first-year students were moved in around two o’clock, ready to begin Adventure Week.

This first step into real life evoked mixed emotions from the students, parents, siblings, and staff members alike.

While Tucker Joyce (Mercer, ’12) moved into his room on the second floor, his grandfather and siblings sat patiently, confident in Tucker’s abilities to succeed at the Academy.  Bryan Joyce, Tucker’s grandfather, seemed at ease, commenting on how his only concern was for his grandchildren and how they would fair missing their brother.  “It’ll be tough,” he stated, “They are all three very close.”

Tucker’s brother Bailey, on the other hand, was more optimistic, focusing instead on how often Tucker will get to come home throughout the year.  When asked how his parents felt about Tucker leaving, Bailey answered, “Well, right now they are pretty protective but I think that will change.  It’s like they are sad to leave, but happy to let him go.”

It seemed like these conflicting feelings ran rampant throughout the parental community, striking victims such as Jay Porter, father of Jaymi Porter (Carter, ’12), “My feelings about Jaymi moving in are mixed; I’m a little sad but mostly excited.  I know Jaymi can handle it.”  However, when asked about moving in, Jaymi stated that she was only a little nervous, but mostly ready to start classes.  She said, “I have been waiting all summer for this and now that I’m here, I’m just ready to jump right in and get started.”

Courageous and anxious for work, Jaymi’s confidence in herself was parallel to that of her parents.  This also appeared to be the case for others such as Nikolaus Dilger, father of Daniel Dilger (Boone, ’12), who exhibited little worry for his son, “No, nope.  Daniel has lived on campus twice and already has friends coming into the program.  The atmosphere here is comfortable and with such unique people, he will undoubtedly feel at home.”  For such a monumental step in the students’ and parents’ lives, the grace of the transition by all members was admirable.

As Academy Director Tim Gott mentioned early Sunday morning, “I am more excited about this year’s move-in than in years past.  The program is getting better every year, and it started out pretty well to begin with.  With the collective wisdom of our Residential Counselors and staff downstairs, I believe our years of experience will come together in a powerful way.”

With the apparent poise of the Junior class, supportive shoes provided by families, guidance from the Academy staff, and a cheering crowd of Seniors, there is no doubt that the recent additions to the Academy will provide a stunning performance.

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By Corey Alderdice

Class of 2011 Welcomed to WKU at Picnic with the President

August 26, 2009 | News, Student Life | No Comments

Picnic with the President

by Ryne Weiss, Academy Avatar

“You will have all the benefits of a high level private school and all the intimacy of a family at Schneider Hall,” greets university president, Gary Ransdell. On Monday, Gatton Academy Class of 2011 members and returning Community Leaders met on the president’s lawn to share an intimate dinner to celebrate the closing of the first full day at the Academy.

President Ransdell was aglow with praise for the Academy, himself having worked hard to make it happen. Ransdell also noted his belief in the program as a way to enrich the state and continue WKU’s missions of becoming a leading American university with international reach: “We build the intellectual heartbeat of Kentucky, and you all are the lifeblood. I am honored you would give these two years of your life to the Gatton Academy, WKU, and most importantly, to yourselves.”

Dinner was catered by WKU Dining and accented by set-ups for the popular games of cornhole and Bocce ball. “Who here thinks they’re the best cornhole player at the Academy?” asked President Ransdell. A hand goes up and is quickly retracted, realizing that the president is not kidding.

At dinner, Cass of 2010 Community Leaders, including Community Developers, Academy Avatars, and Student Government Representatives split up and sat at tables with new juniors, answering questions about the year ahead. The Community Leaders were more than happy to share, and just to get to know their new classmates a little better.

Class of 2011 member Chandler Santos intoned her feelings about the Academy: “The academy is such a fantastic opportunity, and children around the state should be honored to have such an opportunity available to them.”

Natalie Schieber had things to say along the same lines: “I’m excited for the unique research opportunities that the Academy offers.”

However, things weren’t all on such a formal note. There were discussions of a wide range of other topics, including where everyone was from, music people listen to, movies playing in theaters, and how much everyone hates their pictures on their ID cards.

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By Corey Alderdice