The Sonoma County Office of Education and SSU are collaborating to provide high school juniors interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with an exciting new education program, including a paid summer internship and the opportunity to enroll in SSU classes while in 12th grade.
Saeid Rahimi, Dean the School of Science and Technology, and Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Carl Wong have developed the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program, a strategic partnership aimed at preparing more students for careers in the science and technology sectors.
"This initiative is designed to underscore the importance of a rigorous high school course of study as preparation for the demands of the global workforce," says Wong. "It also serves to strengthen the connection between the high school curriculum and advanced studies at Sonoma State University."
Wong and Rahimi hope that this developing program will be a catalyst to engage other community partners. "Throughout the county, state, and nation, there is a critical shortage of highly skilled workers with degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering," says Wong. "By working together, we are taking steps to address this issue in Sonoma County."
The STEM Program is open to high school juniors who are enrolled in science, mathematics, technology, and/or pre-engineering coursework in Sonoma County high schools. Following an application and selection process, ten students have been chosen to participate in a structured 4-6 week internship program this summer.
The internship is directed by research faculty from Sonoma State's School of Science and Technology and will include coursework, data gathering and analysis, job shadowing, field studies and observations, and visits to worksites employing science and technology professionals.
"This is a unique opportunity for high school students to directly participate in research projects under the supervision of Sonoma State's Science and Technology faculty," says Rahimi.
A list of the selected students and their projects includes:
Trevor Jordan
* Windsor High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Derek Girman (girman@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Collecting and Genetic Analysis of California Giant Salamanders
* This internship involves field work locating, catching, and collecting genetic samples from California Giant salamanders (Dicamptodon ensatus) in Sonoma, Mendocino, Marin, and Santa Cruz Counties. This component involves hiking, working in streams, and handling of amphibian species. In addition, the student works in the lab and participate in genetic analysis techniques that include extracting DNA from collected specimens, molecular genetic reactions associated with DNA sequencing, and evaluation of key genes used to distinguish wildlife populations.
Rebecca Krauthamer
* Maria Carrillo High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dan Crocker (crocker@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Studying the behavior and metabolism of elephant seals
* The students participates in field work and laboratory analysis for studies on wild northern elephant seals and assist in field deployments and recoveries of satellite tracking tags and diving behavior recorders on elephant seals as part of The Tagging of Pacific Pelagics Project. The student can assist in field measurements of hearing in elephant seals using evoked audiometry and physiological studies of metabolism in seals as well as learn and use laboratory techniques for the analysis of hormones and blood chemistries in blood samples taken from seals.
Yiren Lu
* Maria Carrillo High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Whiles Lillig (Jennifer.Whiles@sonoma.edu)
Project Title: Characterization of the key molecular features involved in the anti-microbial activity of bacteriocins
* The intern performs biochemical experiments for use in understanding the key features of Listeria monocytogenes molecules and their target membranes that allow them to target and kill other competing bacteria. This work can aid in the development of these molecules as both potent and safe drugs and food preservatives for fighting and preventing human diseases.
Alek Taylor
* Healdsburg High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Steve Farmer (farmers@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Isolation of a fluorescent molecule from Naematoloma Fasciculare
* Naematoloma Fasciculare is a mushroom that grows wild in Northern California. The intern focuses on isolating and investigating the molecule responsible for its fluorescent properties. The project involves some basic organic techniques such as extraction, purification, and structural determination.
Neema Rahimi
* Analy High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. B. Ravikumar (ravi@cs.sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Development of a pen-interface for computers (2 projects)
* Two specific projects for the summer internship are:
(1) Develop software to accomplish the following task: The user is asked to write some sentences on the computer screen with the pen-input. From this input, the writing style of the user is stored. The software will then convert any printed text in the style of the user's hand-writing.
(2) Design and implement a computer game that uses a pen-interface.
Victoria Rose
* Roseland High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jingxian Wu (jingxianwu@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Robot Auto-navigation
* This project focuses on the construction and programming of a two-motor robot that is able to navigate through a maze. A micro controller is used to serve as the brain of the robot. The micro controller controls the movement of the robot based on information collected through sensors installed on the robot. Student will program the micro controller to achieve auto-navigation of the robot, such that the robot can navigate through a maze through self-training.
Yuji Matsumoto
* Analy High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cora Neal (cora.neal@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title:Determining the optimal number of responses for a
Likert-type survey question
* A typical Likert-type question asks you to rate your satisfaction by
choosing one of the following options: satisfied, somewhat satisfied,
somewhat dissatisfied, or dissatisfied. Some experts argue that there
should be given an odd number of options with a neutral middle; others
suggest that an even number of options is better. The student worked with
SSU Conference Services, administered satisfaction surveys with 3, 4 or 5
options, and used statistical software to compare the results.
Paul Calley
* Analy High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeremy Qualls (quallsj@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Designing interesting materials and sensors for high magnetic fields
* The intern joins the lab and helps build new electronic and magnetic sensors. The student will be expected to be part of the team and be willing to not only build devices, but learn from the experience to be able to improve the sensor design and function. The sensors the student builds will be used in measurements in extreme magnetic fields (~340,000 stronger than the Earth's field) as well as at temperatures close to absolute zero. The student will be expected to work in the lab with SSU undergraduates and Professors.
Deanna Gelosi
* Analy High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Scott Severson (scott.severson@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Development of an astronomical observatory at Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
* The intern works on the development of a new astronomical observatory to be located at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in southern Mendocino County. Projects may include work in the laboratory to set up and test astronomical equipment as well as the collection and analysis of weather and other site measurements. The student learns about the latest in astronomical research and help in the development of an environmentally friendly, solar-powered telescope.
Rowan Shulz
* Analy High School
* Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hongtao Shi (hongtao.shi@sonoma.edu)
* Project Title: Creation and analysis of nanoscale materials with interesting properties
* In this project, the student uses synthetic chemistry to fabricate nanometer-scaled honeycomb-like arrays by using self-assembly of aluminum oxide. The student intern polishes aluminum plates and run electrochemical reactions to form the nanometer scaled network. After that, he learns how to use the state-of-the-art facilities at SSU to measure these samples to disclose their physical properties.
Upon completion of the internship, each participating student will receive a $1,000 stipend underwritten by the Sonoma County Office of Education. The students will also be invited to enroll in related courses at Sonoma State University during their senior year of high school. Attendance at these classes will require concurrent enrollment at SSU and their local high school.
CAPTIONS: High school students who received a rare chance to do college level research this summer included (from top to bottom) Alek Taylor, Deanna Gilosi, Trevor Jordan and Paul Calley.
To read the article published in the Sonoma West, Healdsburg Tribune and Windsor Times newspapers, visit "Spending a Scientific Summer at SSU"
The EXCEL for Youth Program, now in its 26th year, will be recognized with a State Assembly Resolution for its many positive contributions to education by Assemblymember Jared Huffman at 1:30 p.m. on July 25 at an open house reception at the campus Art Gallery. Sonoma State University Provost Eduardo Ochoa and Excel Program Director Alison Marks will accept the resolution on behalf of the program.
Since its inception in 1982, EXCEL has served over 16,000 students from throughout the North Bay. With over 60 classes per year, EXCEL offers students entering 4-9th grade accelerated classes in arts, sciences, technology and humanities on the campus of Sonoma State University.
Classes are taught by professional mentors who are experts in their field and include professors, artists, scientists, authors, urban planners, software designers, and a poet laureate.
The EXCEL High School Teaching Assistant Program works with schools from around the county to identify volunteers (many former EXCEL students) to help teachers in the classrooms and provides high school students with an opportunity for community service as they become role models for younger learners.
"This immensely popular youth educational program is designed to foster curiosity and involvement," notes Mark Merickel, Dean of the School of Extended Education. "We are proud to see it recognized."
Students and their families are invited to view class work during the open house reception along with interested program supporters.
"I am pleased to recognize this model program and its sustained success for over a quarter of a century," said Assemblyman Huffman. "EXCEL allows children to experience the rich resources that the university has to offer in a non-competitive, supportive environment and encourages them to dream of the day when they may be university students themselves."
