Kids Eager for Engineering Program with Elementary Research-based Science (KEEPERS)

For the summer of 2013 I returned to the campus of University of New Hampshire for six weeks participating in their Kids Eager for Engineering Program with Elementary Research-based Science (KEEPERS) program which is focused on exposing students’ in grades 2-5 to various engineering fields by using hands-on activities, as well as providing new K-8 teachers with classroom experience and an overall professional development opportunity. I was lucky enough to have Kristi Donahue write a very flatering article about my visit to the university linked below also attached as a pdf

PDF of article

http://leitzelcenter.unh.edu/aliciareynolds.html

Watershed Watch Project 2013 sponsored by the University of New Hampshire

Analyzing Factors that Influence Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) at Elizabeth City State University

Mentor: Dr. Barry Rock

Abstract
Trees are very important to the environment as they provide oxygen to living organisms, uptake carbon dioxide, improve air quality by absorbing potentially harmful pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide), produce carbohydrates (sugars ,cellulose, starch, etc.) and serve as an climate indicator (e.g., precipitation). In the Southern United States, loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda) are the most essential and widely produced trees. It is extensively used for lumber and pulpwood. We extracted tree cores from the loblolly pines across the campus of Elizabeth City State University and compared the correlation of diameter at base height (DBH) and tree age. Once we collected the cores, we calculated the estimated age and determined the overall health condition of the trees, by analyzing the growth rings in each core. We also determined what variables contribute to the positive or negative growth of a tree (e.g., mulch, vines).

http://nia.ecsu.edu/ww/summer13/wwposters-2013/loblolly.jpg 

The Impact of 2006-2012 CReSIS Summer Research Programs that Influence Student's Choice of a STEM Related Major in College

Mentor: Dr. Darnell Johnson

Abstract
Researchers, policymakers, business, and industry have indicated that the United States will experience a future shortage of professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Several strategies have been suggested to address this impending shortage, one of which includes increasing the representation of females and minorities in the STEM fields. In order to increase the representation of underrepresented students in the STEM fields, it is important to understand the motivational factors that impact underrepresented students' interest in STEM academics and extracurricular programs. Research indicates that greater confidence leads to greater interest and vice versa (Denissen et al., 2007). In this paper, the mathematics research team examined the role of practical research experience during the summer for talented minority secondary students studying in STEM fields. An undergraduate research mathematics team focused on the link between summer research and the choice of an undergraduate discipline. A Chi Square Statistical Test was used to examine Likert Scale results on the attitude of students participating in the 2006-2012 Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) Summer Research Programs for secondary students. This research was conducted at Elizabeth City State University located in northeastern North Carolina about the factors that impact underrepresented students' choices of STEM related majors in college. Results can be used to inform and guide educators, administrators, and policy makers in developing programs and policy that support and encourage the STEM development of underrepresented students.