Previous ISRA Research Opportunities

Chemistry

• Chemistry of Gold Nanoparticles with Dr. Jeremy Driskell, Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry

  Gold nanoparticles have the potential to positively impact many aspects of modern medicine. These medical applications require a detailed understanding of how biological molecules, such as proteins, interact with gold nanoparticles. Students will be introduced to the unique properties and many uses of gold nanoparticles. With guidance, each participant will synthesize and characterize gold nanoparticles using state-of-the-art instruments. Each participant will then be assigned a different protein and conduct experiments to measure its adsorption onto the gold nanoparticles. Students will then search for information on the protein, such as molecular weight, charge, function, etc. As a team, students will share their findings and look for correlations between protein properties and the adsorption behavior. (Minimum = 3 high school students and maximum = 6 high school students)

• Nanoscience and Materials Chemistry with Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim, Associate Professor of Nanoscience and Materials Chemistry

  Nano-scale metal particles are highly attractive optical materials because of their large surface areas, tunable structural changes, and easy recyclability. The optical property of metal nanoparticles originates from the surface plasmon resonance (the collective oscillation of conducting electrons on a metal surface). Upon exposure to light, these nanoparticles can transition to an excited state and the resulting electrons can relax back into their ground state, releasing energy in the form of heat. This heating event allows for a temperature increase on the surface of the metal nanoparticles and/or a reaction medium that can be applied to photothermally-enhanced catalytic reactions, signal enhancements, and triggering components for delivery systems. Our ultimate research goal is designing nano-scale materials that respond to external stimuli (e.g., pH, temperature, and light). (Minimum = 3 high school students and maximum = 6 high school students)

• Organic Chemistry with Dr. Andrew Mitchell, Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry

  Students will focus their research on the development of new reactions that are either inspired by or directed toward natural products (carbon-based molecules discovered in a variety of environments). New synthetic methods arise from a hypothesis which is based upon a foundation of knowledge. We then test that hypothesis (sometimes in many different ways) and creativity, perseverance, and serendipity pays off with the development of new technology. These new reactions may be useful in areas such as agriculture, communications, medicine, transportation, or computers, thus contributing to human progress. Skills and techniques that will be introduced are creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, synthesis, and spectroscopy. More importantly, students will be encouraged to ask questions. Louis Pasteur noted that “in the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind,” so we train students to observe and understand why a reaction failed to afford the desired product. Often the greatest discoveries were made by astute observations rather than perfect hypotheses. Further information about Dr. Mitchell’s research can be obtained on his research group website. (Minimum = 4 high school students and maximum = 20 high school students)

Biology

• Molecular Neuroscience with Dr. Andrés Vidal-Gadea, Professor of Molecular Neuroethology

  In this project we will investigate the neuronal deficits associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using the tiny nematode worm C. elegans. Students will learn how to care for these animals and they will then test the motor, learning, and memory skills of worms afflicted with DMD. This will involve the use of transmitted microscopy to film animals, motion tracking software to analyze their behavior, fluorescence microscopy to evaluate neuronal health, and statistical software to compare healthy and dystrophic groups. One long term goal in Dr. Vidal-Gadea’s lab is to identify ways to slow the progression of this disease which affects 1 in 3,500 boys.

Chemistry

• Biochemistry with Dr. Marjorie A. Jones, Professor of Biochemistry

  Students will be involved in helping to grow Leishmania tarentolae, a one-celled organism, which is a pathogen for reptiles, but not humans, so it can safely be used as a model system. Students will also help perform assays to measure how additions of various compounds affect the cells. Students will have the opportunity to use spectroscopy and microscopy. The long term goal of Dr. Jones’ research is to develop pharmaceutical drugs to treat human Leishmania diseases which infect more than 20-25 million people world-wide, with approximately 350 million people at risk because they live in areas where Leishmania diseases are endemic.

• Organic Chemistry with Dr. Andrew Mitchell, Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry

  Students will focus their research on the development of new reactions that are either inspired by or directed toward natural products (carbon-based molecules discovered in a variety of environments). New synthetic methods arise from a hypothesis which is based upon a foundation of knowledge. We then test that hypothesis (sometimes in many different ways) and creativity, perseverance, and serendipity pays off with the development of new technology. These new reactions may be useful in areas such as agriculture, communications, medicine, transportation, or computers, thus contributing to human progress. Skills and techniques that will be introduced are creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, synthesis, and spectroscopy. More importantly, students will be encouraged to ask questions. Louis Pasteur noted that “in the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind,” so we train students to observe and understand why a reaction failed to afford the desired product. Often the greatest discoveries were made by astute observations rather than perfect hypotheses.

Computing and Information Technology

• Opportunities in Computing: A Hands-on Overview of Information Technology with Dr. Glen Sagers, Associate Professor of Information Systems, and other faculty of the School of Information Technology

  Computers and information technology are everywhere and impact us at home and school! Would you like to learn more about the many facets of computing and information technology? Do you have an interest in understanding more about how computer and mobile applications work? Maybe you have thought about pursuing a degree in information technology or computing but are not sure if it is right for you? We will have FUN answering these questions and many more. Research activities include:

  • Hack your world – Use sensors embedded in Arduino and Raspberry Pi devices to control temperature, lighting, and other systems, and monitor your environment.
  • Apply cybersecurity to protect what's important to you – secure your emails, texts, and more!
  • Turn a computer inside out – learn how to tear down, troubleshoot and rebuild a home computer.
  • Robotics – program your own robotic minion to do your bidding.
  • Program and website that dynamically responds to users.
  • Learn Python, a great language for home automation, Pi programming, and general computing.
  • And many others!

Chemistry

• Biochemistry with Dr. Marjorie A. Jones, Professor of Biochemistry

  Students will be involved in helping to grow Leishmania tarentolae, a one-celled organism, which is a pathogen for reptiles, but not humans, so it can safely be used as a model system. Students will also help perform assays to measure how additions of various compounds affect the cells. Students will have the opportunity to use spectroscopy and microscopy. The long term goal of Dr. Jones’ research is to develop pharmaceutical drugs to treat human Leishmania diseases which infect more than 20-25 million people world-wide, with approximately 350 million people at risk because they live in areas where Leishmania diseases are endemic.

• Organic Chemistry with Dr. Andrew Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry

  Students will focus their research on the development of new reactions that are either inspired by or directed toward natural products (carbon-based molecules discovered in a variety of environments). New synthetic methods arise from a hypothesis which is based upon a foundation of knowledge. We then test that hypothesis (sometimes in many different ways) and creativity, perseverance, and serendipity pays off with the development of new technology. These new reactions may be useful in areas such as agriculture, communications, medicine, transportation, or computers, thus contributing to human progress. Skills and techniques that will be introduced are creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, synthesis, and spectroscopy. More importantly, students will be encouraged to ask questions. Louis Pasteur noted that “in the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind,” so we train students to observe and understand why a reaction failed to afford the desired product. Often the greatest discoveries were made by astute observations rather than perfect hypotheses.

• Nanoscience and Materials Chemistry with Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim, Assistant Professor of Nanoscience and Materials Chemistry

  Nanoscale metal particles are highly attractive optical materials because of their large surface areas, tunable structural changes, and easy recyclability.The optical property of metal nanoparticles originates from the surface plasmon resonance (the collective oscillation of conducting electrons on a metal surface). Upon exposure to light, these nanoparticles can transition to an excited state and the resulting electrons can relax back into their ground state, releasing energy in the form of heat. This heating event allows for a temperature increase on the surface of the metal nanoparticles and/or a reaction medium that can be applied to photothermally-enhanced catalytic reactions, signal enhancements, and triggering components for delivery systems. As such, our ultimate goal of research is to develop new materials that can be utilized under natural sunlight without the need for costly electricity

Computing and Information Technology

• Opportunities in Computing: A Hands-on Overview of Information Technology with Dr. Bryan Hosack, Associate Professor of Information Systems, and other faculty of the School of Information Technology

  Computers and information technology are everywhere and impact us at home and school! Would you like to learn more about the many facets of computing and information technology? Do you have an interest in understanding more about how computer and mobile applications work? Maybe you have thought about pursuing a degree in information technology or computing but are not sure if it is right for you? We will have FUN answering these questions and many more. Research activities include:

  • Hack your world – Use sensors embedded in computers to control temperature, lighting, and other systems.
  • Encrypt anything – secure your emails, texts, and more!
  • Turn a computer inside out – learn how to tear down, troubleshoot and rebuild a home computer.
  • Robotics – program your own robotic minion to do your bidding.
  • And many others!

Arts Technology

• Introduction to Computer Coding, Programming, and Image with Ms. Rose Marshack, Assistant Professor of Music and Arts Technology

  Students will use free programming environments to explore ways of creating interactive, animated and graphical programs on the computers. Research using these tools includes (but is not limited to) data visualization, web communications, mobile applications, and interactive animation.

Biology

• Ecology of Prairie Plants with Dr. Vickie Borowicz, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

  Students will work with on research projects concerning seed predation of wild indigo or competition between an exotic legume and a native parasitic plant. Students should be prepared to spend some time outdoors on a restored prairie north of Bloomington-Normal and in a greenhouse on campus. Activities may include measuring plants, observing insects, sorting seeds, mapping positions of experimental plots, and harvesting plants. Transportation will be provided.

Biochemistry

• Biochemistry with Dr. Marjorie A. Jones, Professor of Biochemistry

  Students will be involved in helping to grow Leishmania tarentolae, a one-celled organism, which is a pathogen for reptiles, but not humans, so it can safely be used as a model system. Students will also help perform assays to measure how additions of various compounds affect the cells. Students will have the opportunity to use spectroscopy and microscopy. The long term goal of Dr. Jones’ research is to develop pharmaceutical drugs to treat human Leishmania diseases which infect more than 20-25 million people world-wide, with approximately 350 million people at risk because they live in areas where Leishmania diseases are endemic.

Chemistry

• Chemistry with Dr. Andrew Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry

  Students will focus their research on the development of new reactions that are either inspired by or directed toward natural products (carbon-based molecules discovered in a variety of environments). New synthetic methods arise from a hypothesis which is based upon a foundation of knowledge. We then test that hypothesis (sometimes in many different ways) and creativity, perseverance, and serendipity pays off with the development of new technology. These new reactions may be useful in areas such as agriculture, communications, medicine, transportation, or computers, thus contributing to human progress. Skills and techniques that will be introduced are creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, synthesis, and spectroscopy. More importantly, students will be encouraged to ask questions. Louis Pasteur noted that “in the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind,” so we train students to observe and understand why a reaction failed to afford the desired product. Often the greatest discoveries were made by astute observations rather than perfect hypotheses.

Computer Mapping and GPS

• Computer Mapping and GPS with Mrs. Crystal K. Williams, GIS Technician for the Department of Geography-Geology and the Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping (GEOMAP)

  Our technologically connected world uses computer mapping in emergency management, weather reporting, traffic collision updates, criminal investigations, energy sustainability, and other exciting fields. Students will be introduced to the rapidly emerging field of Geographic Information Science (GIScience), which includes geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), mobile and web mapping, and satellite imaging, such as Google Earth. Through hands-on computer and GPS research, students will apply various GIS technologies to real world problems.

Computing and Information Technology

• Opportunities in Computing: A Hands-on Overview of Information Technology with Dr. Bryan Hosack, Associate Professor of Information Systems, and other faculty of the School of Information Technology

  Computers and information technology are everywhere and impact us at home and school! Would you like to learn more about the many facets of computing and information technology? Do you have an interest in understanding more about how computer and mobile applications work? Maybe you have thought about pursuing a degree in information technology or computing but are not sure if it is right for you? We will have FUN answering these questions and many more. Research activities include:

  • Hack your world – Use sensors embedded in computers to control temperature, lighting, and other systems.
  • Encrypt anything – secure your emails, texts, and more!
  • Turn a computer inside out – learn how to tear down, troubleshoot and rebuild a home computer.
  • Robotics – program your own robotic minion to do your bidding.
  • And many others!

Criminal Justice Sciences

• Stereotypical Reality: Perceptions of the Criminal Type with Dr. Jessie L. Krienert, Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences and Dr. Jeffrey A. Walsh, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences

  Can people differentiate between a sex offender, a murderer, a drug dealer, and a thief simply by sight? Do criminals have visible queues/physical traits that distinguish them by their crime type? Students will explore these controversial thought provoking questions and more during this fun and exciting summer research academy experience. The discipline of Criminology has a long standing and tenuous relationship with biological crime theory going back more than 100 years. Merging biological crime with pop-culture through Gladwell’s (2007) work on ‘thin slicing’, comes the premise that people have the ability to predict a criminal’s offense type based on a quick glance at their photograph. This project combines fascinating aspects of the human mind’s ability to process information with cutting edge empirically based theory, data collection, data management, data analysis, and most of all, FUN! Utilizing “mugshots” from the Illinois Department of Corrections, students will work in teams to identify and code physical features of incarcerated individuals. Students will decide which traits are most important to code with regard to predictive modeling and will have the ability to test the accuracy of their predictions throughout the week. The week’s curriculum will include a brief exploration of the foundations of biological crime into more modern thin-slicing literature focusing on the utility of trait identification in both criminal justice and broader contexts. Students will learn the importance of research methodology including empiricism, objectivity, and hypothesis testing along with practical skills applicable in both the social sciences and natural sciences utilizing SPSS for both data management and preliminary statistical data analysis.

Mathematics, Physics, and Technology

• Mathematics, Physics, and Technology with Dr. Lucian Ionescu, Associate Professor of Mathematics

  Students working Dr. Ionescu will have the opportunity to select one of the following four research projects depending on their specific interests:

  1. Mathematics—Number Theory. Study the “jungle” of prime numbers. They appear chaotically, but recently, a “hidden” structure was found. It is a “treasure map” which can be used to find the answers to numerous simple mathematical questions with implications to pure math, cryptology, and fundamental physics (see 2). We will be using SAGE, a free, online Computer Algebra System to explore their properties.
  2. Mathematical-Discrete Calculus related to Electric Circuits and Logic. Students will explore the most famous problem in physics. Why is the “fine structure constant” almost 1/137? It's some number theory you will really enjoy.
  3. Modern Mathematical-Physics related with Quantum Computing. Students learn to understand such “simple” phenomena as optical interference from the point of view of the new paradigm in Computer Science (Quantum Computing); the comparison with classical logic will make things clear.
  4. Prospective Mathematical-Physics Research at International Level. Students experiment with the scalar waves experimental kit and confirm the “alternative” theory of Electromagnetism (the “mysterious” science of Tesla!). Students will use an oscilloscope to measure resonance frequencies.

Arts Technology

• Introduction to Computer Programming and Imaging with Ms. Rose Marshack, Assistant Professor of Music and Arts Technology

  Students will use free programming environments to explore ways of creating interactive, animated and graphical programs on the computers. Research using these tools includes (but is not limited to) data visualization, web communications, mobile applications, and interactive animation.

Biology

• Behavior and Ecology of Lubber Grasshoppers with Dr. Douglas Whitman, Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences and Curator of Insects

  Students will work as a team to conduct actual research on the Giant Poisonous Swamp Grasshopper from the Everglades region of south Florida. Students will first learn about the ecology of the unique Everglades marsh system and the strange biology of the Giant Swamp Grasshopper. After reviewing the Scientific Method, students will work to design a group experiment based on this insect. Student teams will then conduct the experiment, with the ultimate goal of publishing the results in a scientific journal, with students as the authors. Additional activities include visiting the Illinois State University Vertebrate Museum, Tropical Greenhouse, and various research laboratories.

• Cell Biology with Dr. Viktor Kirik, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology

  Different plant architectures result from regulated growth directing elongation of stems and positioning leaves to capture sunlight. At the cellular level, plant growth is orchestrated by microtubule arrays. Orientation of plant cortical microtubule arrays determines the direction of cell expansion and, ultimately, the dimensions and shape of individual plant cells and whole organs. In our lab we investigate how microtubules get organized in plant cells. Methods that we regularly use in the lab: plant growth in sterile conditions, DNA cloning, microscopy.

• Development of Lab Curricula for Future Elementary Teachers with Dr. Rebekka Darner, Assistant Professor of Biology Education

  Dr. Darner's research examines how people learn biology and how that knowledge gets applied when making lifestyle choices. Participants in this research will help analyze interview and survey data collected from elementary education majors enrolled in an introductory biology course. These findings will be discussed with the research team and applied to improve lab activities. Participants will develop these activities and then do a trial run of their creations, which will potentially be incorporated into a biology course designed specifically for future elementary teachers. Students will come to understand basic theories of learning and several biological principles, have a chance to apply their creativity, and affect the quality of education that future students receive. This project would be appropriate for not only future science teachers, but also those considering a major in education or any science field.

Biochemistry

• Biochemistry with Dr. Marjorie A. Jones, Professor of Biochemistry

  Students will be involved in helping to grow Leishmania tarentolae, a one-celled organism, which is a pathogen for reptiles, but not humans, so it can safely be used as a model system. Students will also help perform assays to measure how additions of various compounds affect the cells. Students will have the opportunity to use spectroscopy and microscopy. The long term goal of Dr. Jones' research is to develop pharmaceutical drugs to treat human Leishmania diseases which infect more than 20-25 million people world-wide, with approximately 350 million people at risk because they live in areas where Leishmania diseases are endemic.

Chemistry

• Chemistry with Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim, Assistant Professor of Nanoscience and Materials Chemistry

  As we previously found that fluorescent light effectively allows for the formation of nanoscale metallic particles possessing various properties, students will take it a step further and be involved in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles by utilizing a solar-simulated light which encompasses the fluorescent light range, and learn how to examine the structure and properties of the resulting nanoparticles. Our ultimate goal of this research is to develop novel materials that can be prepared and applied in various chemical reactions under natural sunlight without the need for electricity due to recent environmental concerns and the soaring demand for renewable energy.

Criminal Justice Sciences

• Stereotypical Reality: Perceptions of the Criminal Type with Dr. Jessie L. Krienert, Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences and Dr. Jeffrey A. Walsh, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Sciences

  Can people differentiate between a sex offender, a murderer, a drug dealer, and a thief simply by sight? Do criminals have visible queues/physical traits that distinguish them by their crime type? Students will explore these controversial thought provoking questions and more during this fun and exciting summer research academy experience. The discipline of Criminology has a long standing and tenuous relationship with biological crime theory going back more than 100 years. Merging biological crime with pop-culture through Gladwell's (2007) work on 'thin slicing', comes the premise that people have the ability to predict a criminal's offense type based on a quick glance at their photograph. This project combines fascinating aspects of the human mind's ability to process information with cutting edge empirically based theory, data collection, data management, data analysis, and most of all, FUN! Utilizing "mugshots" from the Illinois Department of Corrections, students will work in teams to identify and code physical features of incarcerated individuals. Students will decide which traits are most important to code with regard to predictive modeling and will have the ability to test the accuracy of their predictions throughout the week. The week's curriculum will include a brief exploration of the foundations of biological crime into more modern thin-slicing literature focusing on the utility of trait identification in both criminal justice and broader contexts. Students will learn the importance of research methodology including empiricism, objectivity, and hypothesis testing along with practical skills applicable in both the social sciences and natural sciences utilizing SPSS for both data management and preliminary statistical data analysis.

Geology

• Geology with Dr. Lisa Tranel, Assistant Professor of Geology

  1. Comparing apatite grains in bedrock and sediment sources - Apatite grains are used to date bedrock and sediment samples and identify the bedrock sources of sediment in stream and glacial deposits. Students will investigate which types of rocks have better apatite grains for collecting age information. They will also evaluate differences in apatite formation and shapes in different rock types. Students will use a microscope and digital camera to measure and compare the sizes and shapes of apatite grains. The quality of apatite grains collected from stream and glacial deposits will be compared to the bedrock apatite grains to see how the grains change with transportation by water and ice and how shape may influence grain age.
  2. Rock Weathering - Bedrock breaks down as a result of chemical and physical weathering. Physical weathering occurs as pieces of rock break apart along fractures or cracks in the rock and are transported by landslides, streams, or glaciers. Chemical weathering occurs as organisms or water breaks down or dissolves individual minerals. Students working on this project may measure the size, shape, and roundness of rocks, surface roughness, lichen growth, mineral composition, and rock strength to compare weathering on different rock types.

GIS and Geospatial Technologies

• GIS and Geospatial Technologies with Dr. John Kostelnick, Assistant Professor of Geography and Director of the Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping (GEOMAP)

  Students will be introduced to the rapidly emerging field of Geographic Information Science (GIScience), which includes geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), mobile and web mapping, and remote sensing (for example, information captured by satellites). Through hands-on computer and field-based research projects, students will have the opportunity to apply various GIS and geospatial technologies to topics related to the natural and social sciences.

Mathematics, Physics, and Technology

• Mathematics, Physics, and Technology with Dr. Lucian Ionescu, Associate Professor of Mathematics

  Students working Dr. Ionescu will have the opportunity to select one of the following four research projects depending on their specific interests:

  1. Mathematics—Number Theory. Study the "jungle" of prime numbers. They appear chaotically, but recently, a "hidden" structure was found. It is a "treasure map" which can be used to find the answers to numerous simple mathematical questions with implications to pure math, cryptology, and fundamental physics (see 2). We will be using SAGE, a free, online Computer Algebra System to explore their properties.
  2. Mathematical--Discrete Calculus related to Electric Circuits and Logic. Students will explore the most famous problem in physics. Why is the "fine structure constant" almost 1/137? It's some number theory you will really enjoy.
  3. Modern Mathematical-Physics related with Quantum Computing. Students learn to understand such "simple" phenomena as optical interference from the point of view of the new paradigm in Computer Science (Quantum Computing); the comparison with classical logic will make things clear.
  4. Prospective Mathematical-Physics Research at International Level. Students experiment with the scalar waves experimental kit and confirm the "alternative" theory of Electromagnetism (the "mysterious" science of Tesla!). Students will use an oscilloscope to measure resonance frequencies.

Physics

• Roller Coaster Design Team Project with Dr. Rebecca Rosenblatt, Assistant Professor of Physics

  Imagine you are on a team of engineers designing a roller coaster. What types of physics do you need to consider in order to make your roller coaster the most fun for riders while keeping it safe for passengers and staying under budget? What are the practical constraints of building your design with the materials available to your crew? These are the questions our student teams will answer! Each student will be assigned to a team to work on the design and construction of roller coasters. Every day students will work with their team learning the physics involved in the motion a ball takes along a track, designing pieces of the track to do certain things, and constructing their team's track. At the end of the week, teams will compete for construction prizes such as best track overall, best design, and best team work.

Biology

• Physiology and Ecology of Aquatic Turtles with Dr. Rachel Bowden, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

  The Bowden lab studies various aspects of the physiology and ecology of the red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta), a common aquatic turtle. Participants have the option to assist with laboratory-based projects or primarily field-based research projects. Field-based research will require spending time outside (i.e., students must be prepared to get dirty). Transportation to and from the nearby field site will be provided. Students will work with members of the Bowden lab on projects that may include monitoring nesting behavior of females, monitoring nest temperatures using data loggers, assisting with trapping and data collection of adult turtles, learning to use image analysis software, or immunological assays. Transportation to and from the field site will be provided.

Biochemistry

• Biochemistry with Dr. Marjorie A. Jones, Professor of Biochemistry

  Students will be involved in helping to grow Leishmania tarentolae, a one-celled organism, which is a pathogen for reptiles, but not humans, so it can safely be used as a model system. Students will also help perform assays to measure how additions of various compounds affect the cells. Students will have the opportunity to use spectroscopy and microscopy. The long term goal of Dr. Jones' research is to develop pharmaceutical drugs to treat human Leishmania diseases which infect more than 20-25 million people world-wide, with approximately 350 million people at risk because they live in areas where Leishmania diseases are endemic.

Chemistry

• Chemistry with Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim, Assistant Professor of Nanoscience and Materials Chemistry

  As we previously found that fluorescent light effectively allows for the formation of nanoscale metallic particles possessing various properties, students will take it a step further and be involved in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles by utilizing a solar-simulated light which encompasses the fluorescent light range, and learn how to examine the structure and properties of the resulting nanoparticles. Our ultimate goal of this research is to develop novel materials that can be prepared and applied in various chemical reactions under natural sunlight without the need for electricity due to recent environmental concerns and the soaring demand for renewable energy.

Mathematics and Physics

• Mathematics and Physics with Dr. Lucian Ionescu, Associate Professor of Mathematics

  Students working Dr. Ionescu will have the opportunity to select one of the following four research projects depending on their specific interests:

  1. Mathematics-Number Theory. Study the "jungle" of prime numbers. They appear chaotically, but recently, a "hidden" structure was found. It is a "treasure map" which can be used to find the answers to numerous simple mathematical questions with implications to pure math, cryptology, and fundamental physics (see 2). We will be using a Computer Algebra System to explore their properties (Mapple and/or Mathematica, web applets info regarding prime numbers).
  2. Mathematical--Discrete Calculus related to Electric Circuits and Logic. Students will explore the most famous problem in physics. Why is the "fine structure constant" almost 1/137? It's some number theory you will really enjoy. Modern
  3. Mathematical-Physics related with Quantum Computing. Students learn to understand such "simple" phenomena as optical interference from the point of view of the new paradigm in Computer Science (Quantum Computing); the comparison with classical logic will make things clear.
  4. Prospective Mathematical-Physics Research at International Level. Students experiment with the scalar waves experimental kit and confirm the "alternative" theory of Electromagnetism (the "mysterious" science of Tesla!).