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Students will learn to conduct research in astrophysics by accessing data from NASA at a near-by computer lab. Topics will include X-ray astrophysics, black holes, and neutron stars. The software that is used for this class will be given to each student on a CD to load onto their home computers so that they may continue their research after the class.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please see AstroPhysics at RU for information on a 3-credit class Dr. Matilsky will be teaching this spring.
In this workshop, students will build their own low-tech “centrifuges” to conduct green-fluorescent protein (GFP) experiments to seperate protein mixtures into three separate layers and participate in a discussion about the unusual properties of this cutting-edge protein purification method called three-phase partitioning. Students will also use the “centrifuges” to see how proteins can be reversibly denatured. Students interested in continuing their investigations of GFP after the conference will be given information about two small group research opportunities in this field.
Students will learn to make their own web-pages and blogs using free software that they can continue to access from home. Topics will include technical issues as well as internet safety, plagiarism and writing. Students should bring their own lap-tops for use in this class. Any student who wishes to take this class but cannot bring a laptop should note that in their conference registration form and HEROES will attempt to make arrangements for them to share with a classmate. HEROES recommends that students store laptops in a locked closet near the registration desk when not in use for this class. HEROES will not be responsible for the students’ personal belongings.
Taught by instructors from Fair Use Building And Research Labs—a local geek collective and non-profit organization--students will learn the basics of electrical engineering while completing a completely analog robot that students get to take home. Students will learn about resistors, capacitors, transistors, and more, as they learn how these small components make up the technology around us. Students will also be introduced to the lifelong skill of soldering.
THIS CLASS IS FULL. IF YOU SELECT THIS COURSE WHEN REGISTERING YOU MUST CHOOSE A SECOND OPTION AS WELL. YOU WILL BE ASSIGNED TO YOUR SECOND OPTION AND PLACED ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THIS COURSE.
Dr. Boyd reports that his cat Fibonacci has hung his numbers on a clothes line! After teaching a very popular session on series last year, he’s now using series in a whole new way to solve difference equations.
Participants will discuss various patterns formed by what are called “figurate numbers” and will also geometrically and algebraically generate the formulas that will produce subsequent entries in these patterns.
Algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and localized fish kills … pathogen contamination, shellfish harvest restrictions and beach closures … these are problems that plague estuaries along New Jersey’s urbanized coastline. Studies conducted by Monmouth University's Urban Coast Institute (UCI) has been revealing for understanding these pollution-related problems. The UCI provides accurate and comprehensive scientific information on coastal resources in the northern estuaries of New Jersey using state-of-the art techniques, including a network of long-term, near real-time water quality monitoring stations and applications of biotechnology methods to water quality monitoring and analysis. Monitoring of water quality conditions using these techniques allows us to assist local environmental agencies in responding to episodic events as they happen and developing best management practices to control the causes of these problems at their source. Join Professor John Tiedemann in exploring these marine environmental monitoring techniques and evaluating recently collected data
Don’t forget to leave some time to relax & play. There will be a supervised game room to hang out and meet new friends.
Undergraduate Researcher Namrata Kulkari shares her findings from her work with Dr. Noshir Langrana in the Biomedical Engineering department at Rutgers. The research has two different aspects: differentiating stem cells into osteoblasts and osteoclasts (bone cells), as well as mechanical testing of the films and scaffolds to obtain the best growth environment for these cells. Currently they are running several tests to see which percentage combination of chitosan and alginate (polymers) will give the most growth of cells in vitro. They grow the ES (embryonic stem) cells in well plates for 16 days, changing media every other day, stain them for osteocalcin, collagen, and calcium (indicators of bone cells), and then take photographs with high resolution microscopes to observe the presence of these indicators. They are also working on obtaining a good model to use as a control system. Finally, they are doing tensile testing on the films and scaffolds made of chitosan and alginate to understand the mechanical properties of the growth environments.
Students will load the C++ programming language on their laptops and write, compile and execute a simple computer program. Students will also be introduced to newly created resources that they will be able to use to continue their exploration of C++. Students should bring their own lap-tops for use in this class. Any student who wishes to take this class but can not bring a laptop should note that in their conference registration form and HEROES will attempt to make arrangements for them to share with a classmate. HEROES recommends that students store laptops in a locked closet near the registration desk when not in use for this class. HEROES will not be responsible for the students’ personal belongings.
Students will learn the difference between writing for high school and writing for college in this workshop that will be based on the college freshman writing course required for all majors. Students who are scheduled to take this class will be given a short reading assignment to be completed before the conference. Two sections of this class will be offered during the day. Both sections will cover the same material.
Ever imagine making the next great scientific discovery? Wonder what the life of a researcher is really like? There’s more to the research lab than the structured experiements of high school science. Find out what it’s really like as Dr. Michelle Muratori interviews three undergraduate reserachers.
Students will visit the Coastal Ocean Observation Lab where research focuses on the bio-physical characteristics of the ocean. They will be able to visit the command center for the Scarlet Knight, a glider which is attempting the first every Atlantic crossing by a robotic device. They will also view Volcanos of the Deep and and participate in a discussion of deep sea hydrothermal vents with the lead scientist that created this IMAX film.
Relax with a little morning jazz before delving into a discussion of issues faced by all serious musicians. Under the direction of Dr. Paul Bonnell, the Mason Gross Preparatory School’s jazz combo will treat its audience to 20 minutes of jazz standards. Following the performance, Julie Roth (Director of the Mason Gross Extension Division) will speak with the student performers and those in attendance about the challenges they face before and during a musical performance. Ms. Roth will share tips on alleviating performance anxiety and lead a group discussion on how to effectively prepare for performances and auditions.
Healthy individuals have five senses in common. In poetry, we use these senses to expand understanding beyond our own particular borders of emotion, reason and perception. Incorporating sensory cues in our written and verbal communication ensures effective communication that leads to mutual understanding and better problem solving in all our endeavors. Poetry provides the original first key for this mutual comprehension.
Sharpen you skills for the next Math Olympaid or AMC Competition with creative new ways to solve problems using art, drama and enginnering.
Ever wonder how physics and biology can be used together to study molecules? Well, currently researchers are doing just that by using a combination of computer simulations, statistical mechanics and modeling to study structure, function, folding and dynamics of proteins in solution. Ms. William, an undergraduate researcher working with experts in molecular biology, statistical physics, and computer science will explain how they are developing computational models in order to understand and develop theories about complex protein folding structures, as well as their biological consequences.
While the Japanese language has no rhyming tradition, new Japanese Rap artists are developing the use of this sound device. Dr. Kawahara explores this new linguistic development and the parallels between phonological patterns and pun patterns. Dr. Kawaraha will demonstrate linguistic analytical techinques and show how he used them to show that speakers attempt to minimize the differences between corresponding segments in general, and that their measure of similarity has psychoacoustic or perceptual grounds.