Previous ISRA Research Opportunities

Summer 2019

Biology

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

Projects in our lab look at the molecular and cellular basis of behavior using the model system C. elegans. Three ongoing projects will welcome students this summer: 1)  Duchenne muscular dystrophy  (DMD). This incurable disease affects 1 in 3,500 boys. Students will work to identify targets that can help slow down or halt the progression of this disease. 2)  Molecular mechanisms of magnetotransduction . Although it is known that many animals orient to the magnetic field of the earth, how this sensory feat is accomplished remains one of the holy grails of sensory neuroscience. Students will work to identify genes that are necessary for magnetic field detection and orientation. 3)  Biological effects of Mars’ magnetic field . Many organizations are working to place humans on Mars within the next couple of decades. Travel outside of earth’s magnetic field will expose humans to conditions never before encountered by any terrestrial life form. Students will assess the potentially detrimental effects of development under low magnetic field conditions. Developing animals will be raised under terrestrial or Martian field conditions, and effects on development and health will be evaluated. For each of these projects, students will learn about experimental design, hypothesis testing, and will conduct experiments involving microscopy, behavioral analysis, molecular techniques, data analysis, and presentation. (Minimum = 10 high school students and maximum = 15 high school students)   

C. elegans worm expresses a calcium indicator molecule in its muscles. When muscles contract and calcium is released, this molecule (called GCaMP) binds to it and emits light.

Developmental Endocrinology with Dr. Ryan Paitz, Assistant Professor of Endocrinology

Projects in our lab use the developing chicken embryo to study how embryos regulate their exposure to steroids and environmental chemicals during development. When an egg is laid, the yolk contains relatively high levels of steroids that were transferred to the yolk while it was still being formed. Females can also transfer environmental chemicals (i.e. pesticides and BPA) to the egg. Luckily the embryo possesses the ability to regulate its exposure to steroids and chemicals by metabolizing these compounds before they ever reach the embryo. This metabolism primarily takes place in the developing extra-embryonic membranes early in development. Students will investigate factors that potentially regulate the growth and function of these membranes. Projects will involve testing how different compounds (such as steroids and environmental chemicals) might stimulate or inhibit the protective capacity of these membranes. Students will learn a variety of techniques; from dissections to microscopy to molecular techniques. (Minimum=6 students; Maximum=12 students)

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 adsorption behavior. (Minimum = 3 high school students and maximum = 8 high school students)

Photograph of gold nanoparticles in suspension (left) and image of individual gold nanoparticles at high magnification collected with a transmission electron microscope (right). Image courtesy of Dr. Jeremy Driskell.

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

Students will learn 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 learn how to grow cells using sterile technique and measure cell growth using several enzyme assays. Students will also help perform spectroscopy assays to measure how additions of various compounds affect the cells. The long-term goal of this research is to propose new pharmaceutical drugs to treat human Leishmania diseases, which infect more than 20–25 million people worldwide and for which there are few good treatments. (Minimum = 4 high school students and maximum = 14 high school students)

Protein Biochemistry with Dr. Chris Weitzel, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry 

Proteins fulfill countless functions. For example, they catalyze the multitude of reactions that are carried out within our bodies, provide structural support to cells, and are critical components of our immune system. Simply put, proteins are polymers of small molecules called amino acids. In the first step of translation or protein synthesis, an amino acid is attached to its appropriate transfer RNA (tRNA). This so-called “charged” tRNA then delivers the amino acid to the ribosome for use in translation. Importantly, this reaction is catalyzed by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) and is fundamental to the accurate decoding of the genetic code. Because the aaRSs are essential bridges, linking the worlds of nucleic acids and proteins, this family of up to twenty enzymes is found in virtually every biological organism. 

It is becoming increasingly clear that synthetases, through multiple mechanisms, are gaining function in addition to their classical functions in translation. One powerful mechanism clearly at play is the evolution of synthetase paralogs, or two proteins that evolved from a common ancestor gene. Over time, the genes for these two proteins can accumulate mutations leading to variations in amino acid sequence and potentially different, but often related functions. Remarkably, there are several examples within the third domain of life, the Archaea, where a second gene encoding a protein product with homology to leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) has been maintained. The short-term goal of my research is to understand the functional significance of maintaining a second LeuRS-like protein within the Archaea. Specifically, we are investigating the cellular role of this second LeuRS (LeuRS-I) within Sulfolobus islandicus (S. islandicus), a member of this domain. 

Students will be introduced to the many techniques involved with generating a protein to be characterized in a laboratory setting. With guidance from current lab members, which include undergraduate and Master’s level biochemistry students, participants will clone the genes for proteins particularly interesting to the Weitzel lab. Students will also purify a protein, capitalizing on its physical characteristics (affinity for a resin, size, and charge), after overexpressing the target using non-pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). Students will use polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting as a means to identify proteins of interest. Opportunities to identify protein interacting partners, grow an archaeal extremophile, and carry out protein localization studies within E. coli and S. islandicus cells using fluorescence microscopy will also be available. (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 = 2 high school students and maximum = 8 high school students)

The scheme describes the photothermal heating properties of nano-scale metal particles and their potential applications. Image courtesy of Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim. 

 

Summer 2018 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: https://about.illinoisstate.edu/tmitche/pages/default.aspx. (Minimum = 4 high school students and maximum = 20 high school students)

 

Summer 2017 Opportunities

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!

 

Summer 2017 Opportunities

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!

 

Summer 2015 Opportunities

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!

 

Summer 2014 Opportunities

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.

 

Summer 2013 Opportunities

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.

 

 

Summer 2012 Opportunities

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!).

 

Summer 2011 Opportunities

Biology

Field Biology and Ecology of Birds with Dr. Charles F. Thompson, Research Professor of Biological Sciences, and Dr. Scott Sakaluk, Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences

Students will work with the professors and other students on research studying Troglodytes aedon (house wrens), a migratory, cavity-nesting songbird. A typical day will include 6 hours (6:00 a.m. to 12 noon) outside collecting data on house wrens at a forest site approximately 14 miles north of campus (transportation provided). Students must be willing to work under field conditions (e.g., heat, cold, dry, wet, mosquitoes, stinging nettle, sometimes all in the same morning). Students will participate in a variety of activities that field biologists carry out to study birds, which include: monitoring nests; catching, banding, weighing, and measuring the adult female and male house wrens; and banding, weighing, and measuring the nestlings. Blood samples will also be collected from adult house wrens and nestlings and immunological tests will be performed in the field, which students can observe and assist with, if they wish.

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.

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Speech-Language Pathology with Dr. Rita Bailey, Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Students will have the opportunity to participate in the following research activities:

1. Examining the Effects of Oral-motor Exercise and Biofeedback. Students will study the effects of oral-motor exercise and biofeedback on several aspects of muscle strength, accuracy in performance tasks, and range of motion. Students will participate in multiple aspects of data collection with program volunteers. They will learn to organize, analyze, and compare obtained data to results of previous research.
2. Examining Preferences of Individuals who Use Augmentative/Alternative Communication Systems. Students will interact with data that has already been collected in order to identify trends and implications of the findings. They will graph findings, draw conclusions, and determine what additional research questions are implicated in the findings. Students will design a project to test these research questions and practice the methods with their peers and additional graduate student volunteers.
3. The Effects of Patient Descriptions on Intelligibility Ratings. Students will participate in data collection with graduate student volunteers within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Illinois State University. Graduate students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Illinois State University will be asked to analyze and rate the intelligibility of a speech sample, given one of two possible medical histories about the patient in the speech sample. Ratings will be compared to determine whether or not students score speech samples as more or less intelligible if they were given a complicated medical history versus an unremarkable medical history. Students will be involved in both data collection and analysis of results for this activity.

Geography

Geomapping with Dr. John Kostelnick, Assistant Professor of Geography and Associate Director of the Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping (GEOMAP) and Dr. Jonathan B. Thayne, Assistant Professor of Geography and Associate Director of GEOMAP

Students will be introduced to the rapidly emerging field of Geographic Information Science (GIScience). Through multiple hands-on computer and field-based research projects, students will have the opportunity to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS/mobile mapping, remote sensing, field data collection, 3-D visualization, and other geographic methods to topics related to the natural and social sciences.

Geology

Global Climate and Environmental Change with Dr. Amy M. Bloom, Instructional Assistant Professor and Assistant Director for Outreach at CeMaST

Students will explore the basics of climate, how climate has changed throughout Earth?s history, and what tools and techniques scientists use to determine and explain these changes. Environmental impacts (for example, ecosystems, biodiversity, and water resources) of global climate change will also be investigated. The main team project will focus on the examination of biological and chemical evidence preserved in lake sediments (i.e., mud) in order to determine how lakes record past climate and environmental conditions. Students will work in the laboratory to prepare samples of fossil diatoms (single-celled algae) collected from various lakes in North and Central America, and then use light microscopes and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the diatom species present in the samples in order to reconstruct past climate and environmental conditions at those lakes throughout the last 14,000 years, a time period of documented climate change.

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 three research projects depending on their specific interests:

1. Mathematical. Discrete calculus, related to Electric Circuits and Logic, includes number theory (e.g., Why the "fine structure constant" is almost 1/137)
2. Modern Mathematical-Physics. Learn to understand such "simple" phenomena as optical interference from the point of view of the new paradigm in Computer Science (Quantum Computing).
3. Prospective Mathematical-Physics. Experiment with the scalar waves experimental kit and confirm the "alternative" theory of Electromagnetism (the "mysterious" science of Tesla!).

Psychology

Developmental Psychology with Dr. Patricia A. Jarvis, Professor of Psychology

Students will learn about the research process in studying human behavior in a study investigating parent concerns about career paths of college students. The first step will be to participate in an online training program to learn about ethics in conducting research with humans followed by an introduction/overview to the Parent Study (Day 1). Then students will learn how to conduct focus group interviews with parents asking parents about their concerns for their son/daughter's career setting. They will practice interviewing on Day 2 with each other followed by interviewing actual parents. On Day 3, they will assess themes in the interview responses and relate the information found to other data from parent surveys about concerns parents have related to their college son/daughter pursuing an education career in an underserved urban neighborhood. On Day 4, students will finalize a presentation for their parents/peers about their work. Students will learn about using published work to guide research questions, data collection involving focus group interviewing, data analyses, and interpretation of findings. Hands on "learning by doing" will be the focus of this session.

Psychology

Understanding Memory with Dr. Dawn M. McBride, Associate Professor of Psychology

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the factors that affect their memory, develop their own research questions about what they think might aid their memory, learn about what other researchers have discovered already of how memory works, design a research study to test their questions, run their study with themselves as their research subjects, and organize the data to understand how their study addressed their research question. Students will spend each day of the academy working on a different step in the research process and will run the study on the lab computers.