Chemical Reaction: USU Gathering Sparks Teens' Interest in Science
For four days, aspiring scientists from InTech Collegiate High School put aside traditional teenage summer pursuits to explore such heady topics as quantum chemistry, molecular theory and DNA sequencing at Utah State University.
Five students from the North Logan school, one of Utah’s early college charter high schools, participated in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s inaugural summer chemistry camp June 25-28.
“I had a really great time,” said student Ellie Edwards. “This is a great program.”
Edwards, who’ll start her junior year at InTech this fall, grew protein crystals with faculty mentor Sean Johnson and graduate student mentor Ryan Jackson in Johnson’s x-ray crystallography lab.
“Crystals allow scientists to study the structure of molecules,” said Edwards, who along with other student participants presented her work to family members on the final day of camp.
Edwards’ experience left her eager for further lab exploration. “I would like to change the direction (of my research.) I’d like to produce bigger crystals.”
The teen’s reaction is exactly what camp organizers hoped for.
“Part of this is to get these students really interested in science,” Chem/Biochem department head Steve Scheiner told a local reporter at the presentation.
Faculty members from the department have hosted frequent field trips from InTech students since the charter school, located on USU’s Innovation Campus, opened its doors to about 120 ninth- and 10th graders in fall 2006. The school emphasizes math, science and engineering and offers concurrent enrollment opportunities at USU.
“Inviting teens to campus is a key step in our recruitment process,” said Lisa Berreau, associate professor and associate dean of USU’s College of Science. “We need to reach these kids early to spark their interest and let them know about the many opportunities that are available to them.”
Berreau and colleagues began organizing the camp, which included a stay for the students in USU’s new Living/Learning Center, about a year ago. The department hopes to extend the opportunity to students from other schools in the future.
Professor Alvan Hengge, a co-organizer of the program, said it’s important for students to experience hands-on opportunities. “Getting into the lab stimulates interest,” he said. “During the week each participant pursued the research of their choice while working one-on-one with faculty and graduate student mentors.”
Beyond the lab, camp participants were introduced to campus life, including foosball rivalries and pizza parties, by undergraduate student chaperones.
Favored activities of the week included hydrogen balloon explosions and the infamous Diet Coke-Mentos candy experiment. (Don’t try these activities at home.)
“We worked hard, but we had fun, too,” said Berreau.
Related links:
Contacts: Lisa Berreau [berreau@cc.usu.edu], 435-797-1625; Alvan Hengge [hengge@cc.usu.edu], 435-797-3442
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto [maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu], 435-797-1429
InTech Collegiate High School students, from left, Hayden Griffiths, Ellie Edwards and Aaron Hooper learn lab techniques from Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry professor Lance Seefeldt.
Associate Science Dean Lisa Berreau, right, guides students Camellia Williams, left, and Ellie Edwards through a balloon experiment.
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