Space
Grant
Clockwise from the upper right: Jennifer Liddle, Undergraduate Research Award,
Western Washington University; Christopher Lockett, Undergraduate Research Award,
Washington State University-Vancouver; Harkirat Sohi, NASA Exploration Systems
Mission Directorate Summer Internship, Glenn Research Center, UW; Mauna Edrozo,
WSGC Summer Undergraduate Research Program, UW; Brittney McKenzie, WSGC
Scholarship Program, UW, and Aaron Bestick, WSGC Summer Undergraduate Research
Program, UW.
Awards Reception
&
Poster Session
October 2, 2009
20th Anniversary Celebration
CONSORTIUM MEMBERS
University of Washington
Central Washington University
Heritage University
Museum of Flight
North Central Educational
Service District
North Seattle Community College
Northwest Indian College
Office of Superintendent of
Public Instruction
Pacific Science Center
Seattle Central Community College
Seattle University
University of Puget Sound
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Whitman College
Whitworth University
INDUSTRY AFFILIATES
Aerojet
The Boeing Company
Tethers Unlimited
Woodruff Scientific Inc.
Space Grant Students Around Washington
Western Washington University
Undergraduate Research Awards
Peter Littlefield, Chemistry
Faculty Adviser: P. Clint Spiegel
Purification, Crystallization & X-ray Crystallographic Analysis of
Computationally Designed Variants of the Herring Endonuclease I-MSOI
Ben Rollins, Biology
Faculty Adviser: Heather Van Epps
Molecular & Genetic Analysis of Synapse Development
Whitworth University
Undergraduate Research Awards
Marc Rollins and Evan Staley, Physics
Faculty Adviser: Kamesh Sankaran
Parametric Study of the Effects of Plasma Propulsion System Performance on
Mars Cargo Missions
OUR MISSION
The Washington NASA Space
Grant Consortium is a statewide
organization established and
supported by NASA, with additional
funds provided by state and private
sources. The Consortium works
to assure a productive future in
space science and technology for
Washington by providing spacerelated education and research
opportunities for learners of all
ages.
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium
University of Washington
Box 351310, Seattle, WA 98195-1310
(206) 543-1943
(800) 659-1943
[email protected]
http://www.waspacegrant.org
Seattle University, North Seattle Community College and Whitman College will
announce their Space Grant awards later this fall.
Space Grant Students Around Washington
2009 Space Grant
Washington State University
Fellowships
ships
Joshua Van Wie, Environmental Engineering
Weston Wood, Mechanical Engineering
Awards Reception
Washington State University - Vancouver
and Poster Session
Undergraduate Research
R
Award
Christopher Lockett, Computer Science
Faculty Advisor: Dick Lang
Code Controller Migration Project for Cascades Volcano Observatory
Western Washington University
Scholarships
olarships for Future Math & Science Teachers
Greg Conley, Secondary Ed.
Kevin Eyer, Secondary Ed.
Kristen Kenyon, Secondary Ed.
Hilary Bean, Elementary Ed.
Shelley Jefferson, Elementary Ed.
Undergraduate Research Awards
Frances DeRook
DeRook, Physics
Faculty Adviser: Andrew Boudreaux
Understanding & Addressing Student Difficulties with Multi-step Reasoning
Julia Cochran
Cochran, Biology
Faculty Adviser: Heather Van Epps
Analysis of Molecules in Neurodevelopment
Phil Elsasser
Elsasser, Biology
Faculty Adviser: Deb Donovan
Salt Tolerance in Nuttallia Obscurata
Drew Grennel, Physics
Faculty Adviser: Andrew Boudreaux
Understanding & Addressing Student Difficulties with Multi-step Reasoning
Nicholas Isley
Isley, Chemistry
Faculty Adviser: Timothy Clark
Mechanitic Studies on Rearrangement of a Ruthenium Boryl Complex
Jennifer Liddle, Chemistry
Faculty Adviser: Spencer Anthony-Cahill
Development of Electrically Conductive SH3 Fibrils for Use as Nanowires
Walker-Ames Room
Kane Hall
Poster viewing and refreshments 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Formal program 3:30 p.m.
INTRODUCTION
Robert Winglee
Director
Washington NASA Space Grant
Department of Earth and Space Sciences
WELCOME TO
THE UNIVERSITY
Werner Stuetzle
Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences
University of Washington
Bonnie Dunbar
Astronaut and President
Museum of Flight
STUDENT SPEAKER
Rocket Propulsion at Aerojet:
An Intern’s Experience
Janine Hopmans
WSGC/Private Industry
Summer Internships
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Space Grant Students Around Washington
University of Puget Sound
Welcome
Undergraduate Research Awards
Ashleigh Boyd, Geology
Influences of Spatial Heterogeneity Regulated by Termites on Interspecific
Competition Among Grasses
Claire Ely, Exercise Science
Effects of Ascending vs. Descending Order of Velocity on Knee Extension and
Flexion Torque Production in College-aged Females
Rachel Fairchild, Exercise Science
Ratio of Aerobic to Anaerobic Metabolic Contributions in Simulated 2000M and
6000M Distance Rowing Events
Frances Gilman, Biology
Microbial Diversity Within the Cloaca of the Striped Plateau Lizard, Sceloporus
virgatus
Natasha Ludwig, Exercise Science
Effects of Exercise Duration on Circulating Interleukin-6 Levels During
Simulated 2000M and 6000M Rowing Events
Washington State University
Scholarships
Sam Adlington, Civil Engineering
Stefhanni Jennerjohn
Jennerjohn, Materials Science and Engineering
Sarah Miller, Materials Science and Engineering
Whitney Patterson, Materials Science and Engineering
John Smerdon, Biochemistry/Biophysics
Julee Trump, Civil Engineering
The first view of Earth from the moon, taken by Lunar Orbiter August 23, 1966.
Fellowships
Raymond Andrell , Zoology
Zachary Coppa, Geology
Kevin Daily, Physics
Christopher Detzel, Chemical Engineering
Stephen Ford, Neuroscience/Bioengineering
Jane Hines, Chemistry
Daniel Mullendore, Botany
Jameson Root, Materials Science and Engineering
Tim Turba, Materials Science and Engineering
Michael Turi, Computer Engineering
Space Grant Students Around Washington
Central Washington University
Scholarships
Marilyn Magenis, Physics
Felicity Fredsti, Physics
Shannon Vreeland, Chemistry/Secondary Education
Cedric Aberle, Engineering
Northwest Indian College
Scholarships in Science, Technology
Technology,, Engineering and Math
Elano Alaniz
Casey Mitchell
Tuiaana Moliga
Jill Nanpuya
Tyson Oreiro
Maggie Picard
Jason Sieber
Seattle Central Community College
SCCC Transfer Scholarships
For promising SCCC alumni entering a four-year institution
Cooper Clauson
Clauson, Electrical Engineering
University of Washington
Nicole Evans, Astronomy
University of Washington
Dominic Fischer, Neurobiology
University of Washington
Leslie Ratzlaff-Minkler, Biology
Seattle University
Nickolas Stelzenmuller, Mechanical Engineering
University of Washington
SCCC Scholarships
Vivian Alphonse, Science
Daniel Antone, Biology/ Mathematics
William Cole-Cornell, Microbiology
Kathleen Lenz, Science
Sarah Marmon, Mathematics
Kynan Luke Ramsey, Science Education
Bridget Wilson, Neurobiology/Mathematics
Erin Yano, Science
Dear Space Grant Scholars and Guests:
On behalf of the University of Washington, it is my great
pleasure to welcome you to Washington NASA Space
Grant Consortium’s annual poster session and reception.
Congratulations to all of the incoming freshmen,
community college transfer students, and graduate
students who have been awarded Space Grant scholarships
and fellowships. This achievement reflects your talent and
dedication. You are beginning a terrific adventure, and I
urge you to take advantage of the opportunities arrayed
before you.
To the Space Grant student researchers and NASA interns
from around the state whose work is displayed throughout
Kane Hall today, I salute your contributions to science,
technology, engineering, and math. You are contributing
to the body of knowledge while also serving as role models
for the students who follow you.
Since 1989, the colleges and universities that compose the
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium have worked
to expand research opportunities for undergraduates
throughout our state on their campuses, at NASA Centers,
and within private industry. We at the University of
Washington are very proud to be a part of this tradition,
and we applaud these young engineers, mathematicians,
and scientists who are taking their first steps toward
improving our quality of life here in Washington,
throughout the world, and even into space.
With best wishes,
Dennis Hartmann, Interim Dean
College of the Environment
Washington NASA Space Grant gratefully acknowledges
the support of
The Mary Gates Endowment for Students
The Louise and Irving R. Donnergaard Endowment
The Sigurd Olsen Endowment
Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Diversity Endowment
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
Friends of Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium
NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
Aerojet Redmond Operations
The Boeing Company
Tethers Unlimited, Inc.
Woodruff Scientific, Inc.
and
The University of Washington
Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Office of the Provost
The Graduate School
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Engineering
College of the Environment
Research Institute for Space Exploration
2009 Space Grant Courses
Developed with support from Washington NASA Space Grant
High Altitude Research Projects (ESS 472) offers students a
chance to design, build and launch a high-powered rocket aimed
at investigating the relationship between cosmic rays and the
electrical properties of the atmosphere. This new course was
developed by the UW Department of Earth and Space Sciences.
Access to Space (ESS 205) provides science and non-science majors
with an opportunity to fully appreciate Earth’s upper atmosphere
and near space environment by conducting working experiments.
During this hands-on class, offered at UW and Heritage
University, students build and launch high-altitude balloon
experiments such as the Cricket Sat, which collects temperature
measurements as it moves up through the atmosphere.
Rocks & Stars (ESS 495) is a lecture series designed to provide
UW undergraduate and graduate students from all fields with an
opportunity to learn about space exploration, stellar evolution and
planetary geology directly from the researchers working in those
areas.
The Universe & the Origin of Life (ASTR201) offers North Seattle
Community College students a chance to explore the questions
of what life forms might be found “out there,” places in our solar
system that might have conditions favorable for life such as Mars
or Europa, and the life forms here at home that live in extreme
environments such as deep oceans and hot springs.
2009 Space Grant
Private Industry Internships
Washington NASA Space Grant, working in conjunction with the
Research Institute for Space Exploration (RISE), offers private
industry internships for undergraduate and graduate students.
These summer internships enable students to concentrate on
research activities that supplement their academic coursework and
help to prepare them for careers in NASA-related fields.
Janine Hopmans, a graduate student in aeronautics and
astronautics at the University of Washington, was awarded an
internship with Aerojet’s Redmond operations. Founded in 1942,
Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader
leader,
specializing in rocket and missile propulsion.
Arthur Amende, a graduate student in aeronautics and
astronautics, and Stephen
en Kreiger
Kreiger, a senior in physics and
mathematics, were awarded internships with Tethers Unlimited,
Inc. Both are UW students. The Bothell-based research and
development company specializes in advanced space technologies
and scientific computing solutions.
Sara Bucht
Bucht, a senior in physics and mathematics at the University
of Puget Sound, and Cosmo Smith, a junior in computer science
and physics at the University of Washington
Washington, were awarded
internships at Woodruff Scientific, Inc. Located in Seattle’s Ballard
neighborhood, Woodruff Scientific aims to address critical issues
in the development of commercial fusion energy systems.
2009
Space Grant
Undergraduate
Scholars
2009 Undergraduate Scholars
Student Name
Luke Allpress
Richard Boice1
Cezanne Camacho4
Mariah Gentry
Kari Hankins
Katherine Herr
Loc Hua1
Kristin Ivarson
Benjamin King2
Samantha Kunze1
Natalie Larson
Alysia Letourneau
Allen Liu
Chelsea MackamanLofland
Constance Ozimek3
Julian Picard1
Elliot Ransom
Brennen Smith
Johannah Verhulst3
Hometown
Buckley
Bothell
Seattle
Seattle
Sequim
Mount Vernon
Olympia
Bellevue
Seattle
Maple Valley
Bothell
Everett
Sammamish
Bothell
Area of Interest
Engineering
Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Engineering
Bioengineering
Engineering
Biochemistry/Math
Earth Sciences
Civil/Evironmental Eng.
Engineering
Engineering
Computer Science
Earth Sciences
Silverdale
Seattle
Seattle
Bellingham
Olympia
Physics
Astrophysics
Engineering/Math
Aero/Astronautics
Biology
Community College Transfer Scholars
Phillip Andrist1
Spokane
1
Paola Florio Conchi
Shoreline
Nicole Evans1
Auburn
Astronaut Foundation Scholar
Andrew Ishizuka
Mercer Island
Aero/Astronautics
Engineering
Astronomy/Physics
Biochemistry/
Chemistry
1
Co-sponsored by the Mary Gates Endowment for Students
2
Co-sponsored by the Louise and Irving R. Donnergaard Endowment
3
Co-sponsored by the Sigurd Olsen Endowment
4
Co-sponsored by the Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Diversity Endowment
Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Diversity Endow-
2009 NASA Academy
NASA Academy, NASA’s premier leadership training program,
provides select students with immersive and integrated
multidisciplinary exposure and training.
The 10-week curriculum balances opportunities for direct contact
with advanced science and engineering R&D and an awareness
of the complex managerial, political, financial, social, and human
issues faced by the current and future aerospace programs.
Academy interns are sponsored in part by Washington NASA
Space Grant Consortium.
Alisha Babbitt
Babbitt, a junior majoring in aeronautics and astronautics
at the University
sity of Washington
Washington, was selected as an intern at the
NASA Robotics Academy at Goddard Space Flight Center.
2009 NASA LARSS
Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars
Melissa Street, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering at
Washington State University, was selected for a LARSS internship
at NASA Langley Research Center.
Designated as the NASA Center of Excellence for Structures and
Materials, Langley was the nation’s first civilian aeronautical
research facility. The 10-week paid internship program, offered
under the auspices of the National Institute of Aerospace, provides
undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to work
directly with NASA scientists and engineers.
2009 Washington Space Grant
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Summer Internships
Space Grant summer internships at NASA Jet Propulsion
Laboratory (JPL) provide qualified undergraduate students with a
unique opportunity to participate directly in cutting-edge research
at the agency’s lead center for robotic exploration of the solar
system.
This summer, internships were awarded to five students from
the University of Washington: Mark Chilenski, Michael
Pfaff Natalie Rodriguez, and Michelle Sybouts, all majors in
Pfaff,
aeronautics and astronautics, and Lawrence Shieh, an electrical
engineering major.
2009 ESMD NASA Center Awards
Last summer Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium sent
two students to NASA Research Centers, with support from the
NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. These awards
offer graduate and undergraduate students a chance to work with
research scientists in field centers across the country.
Graduate student Harkirat Sohi of the University of Washington
was awarded a summer internship at Glenn Research Center in
Ohio. Harkirat is pursuing a master’s in applied mathematics.
Andrew Pilloud, a junior majoring in computer science at
Washington State University
W
sity, returned to NASA Ames Research
Center in California. In 2008, he participated in the NASA
Robotics Academy at Ames.
NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) is
responsible for building the next fleet of space exploration
vehicles that will maintain International Space Station supply after
the shuttle’s retirement, transport the next human lunar mission,
and perhaps take humans to Mars.
Luke Allpress
Luke Allpress, a White River
High graduate, plans to combine
mathematics studies with a major
in either mechanical or electrical
engineering.
A National Merit Commended
scholar, he was active in Key club
and volunteered as a camp counselor
and an American Sign Language
interpreter. He also competed in tennis
and track and played with the jazz and
marching bands, as well as his church
band. As a Running Start student, he
completed his associate degree in science at Pierce College.
Richard Boice
Bothell High graduate Richard Boice
served as team leader with Washington
Aerospace Scholars, a statewide NASAdesigned engineering program for high
school juniors.
He was elected senior class treasurer
and competed in both DECA and the
Science Olympiad. His science teams
won the state championship three
times and advanced to the nationals.
He also competed in swimming and
tutored math at Cascadia Community
College. He is intrigued by chemistry
and materials science, and their applications in aerospace.
Cezanne Camacho
Creating “gadgets” is one of Cezanne
Camacho’s passions. She once built a
robot butler to help her mother with
simple tasks.
At Garfield High, Cezanne organized
talks for the Garfield Science Café, wrote
for the school literary magazine, competed in the Knowledge Bowl, and participated in the Key and neurobiology
clubs. She also took part in the summer
biotechnology experience at Shoreline
Community College and interned in the
UW radiology department. She plans to
major in electrical engineering.
Mariah Gentry
Seattle Academy graduate Mariah
Gentry’s passion for engineering grows
out of a desire to build a greener
world. Last summer she took part in the
Space Grant Summer Undergraduate
Research Program, working on adapting
seagliders to autonomously record and
monitor marine mammals.
A published writer and photographer,
she presented at the Soft-Serve
Microsoft Conference and volunteered
at the Woodland Park Zoo. Her design
team took second place in the statewide
Imagine Tomorrow competition, creating a self-sufficient rooftop
garden that reduces CO2. She also served as class treasurer and
participated in Cascade Llama 4-H and salsa dancing clubs.
Space Grant Summer
Undergraduate Research Program
Project
Studies Towards the Activiation of C-H Bonds With a Platinum
Metal Complex
Audio Augmentation of Tactile Images for Greater Accessibility
Understanding and Modeling Human Decision Making
Designing And Implementing Flexible Sheer and Pressure Sensor
Arrays
Creating and Characterizing a Functional Model for Superoxide
Reductase
Examining Changes in Sea Surface Temperature Due to Typhoons in the
Western Pacific Ocean
Fuel Cell Aging
Mapping Subsurface ‘Hot Spots’ on Mars
Using VLF Emissions to Study Lightning-Ionosphere Energy Coupling
Using Feedback Distortion to Improve Motor Rehabilitation
Space Grant Summer
Undergraduate Research Program
Student
Advisor
Department
Matthew Ruppel
Karen Goldberg
Chemistry
Josh Scotland
Alex Shuler
John Thomson
Richard Ladner
Kristi Morgansen
A. Mamishev
Computer Science
Aero/Astronautics
Electrical Engr.
Justin Watson
Julia Kovacs
Chemistry
Stephany Wei
Ren-Chieh Lien
Applied Physics Lab
Grant Williamson
Rebecca Wu
Matt Yelin*
Ada Zhang
Dan Schwartz
Joshua Bandfield
Robert Holzworth
Yoky Matsuoka
Chemical Engr.
Earth/Space Sciences
Earth/Space Sciences
Earth/Space Sciences
Kari Hankins
When Kari Hankins joined her middle
school robotics club, she discovered
the perfect way to link her enthusiasm
for math and science. She now plans to
major in civil engineering.
At Sequim High, Kari was active
in National Honor Society and the
International and Interact clubs. She was
also a drum major and class treasurer,
played in the band and lettered in
tennis and volleyball. Last summer
she took part in the Space Grant
Summer Undergraduate Research Program, studying the thermal
breakdown of boulders.
Katherine Herr
Katherine Herr credits a two-week
genetics unit at her high school for
sparking her passion for biomedical
engineering. The Sedro-Woolley
graduate now plans to major in the field
and pursue a research career.
A talented saxophone player, Katherine
participated in wind ensemble and jazz
band. She was also a drum major in the
marching band. She was a member of
the French, history and drama clubs,
as well as Earth Corps. For the past six
years, she has ridden in equestrian competitions through the U.S.
Pony Club.
SURP is supported by Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium, the Mary
Gates Endowment for Students, the NASA Astrobiology Institute and grants to
individual faculty.
Loc Hua
At North Thurston High in Olympia,
Loc Hua balanced a challenging mix of
academics, music and sports.
The National Honor Society member
participated in Key club, mentored
incoming freshmen and was elected
freshman class president. He sang in
choir and played piano, winning state
recognition and the National Guild
Piano Award. In addition to running
track, he served as captain of the varsity
tennis, swim and soccer teams. He plans
to major in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering.
Kristin Ivarson
A National Merit semifinalist, Kristin
Ivarson points to the probability equations in Mendel’s genetics experiments
as an example of how science and math
are interwoven.
The Newport High graduate spent three
years as a math tutor and coached a fifth
grade math team in regional competition. She was a member of National
Honor Society. A talented singer, she
participated in jazz choir and in school
musicals. She also served as assistant
choir director at Somerset Elementary.
She plans to major in biochemistry and applied mathematics.
Space Grant Summer
Undergraduate Research Program
Project
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of Rhodium(I) Catalysts for
the Hydrogenation of Biorenewable Molecule:
5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)
Expression and Function of Cone Pigment Genes Using Knock-in/
Knock-out Mice
Damage Resistance of Carbon Composites
Space Weather & Magnetic Substorms: 3D Multi-Fluid Simulation of
the February 26, 2008 Auroral Intensification
Ab Initio Ehrenfest Dynamics with Addition of a Magnetic-Dipole
Perturbation to the Core Hamiltonian
New Oxide Nanomaterials for Spintronics and Solar Catalysis
Diagnosing Problems of an Agitation Platform for Self-Assembly
Systems
Intense Focused Ultrasound (iFU) for Localizing Pain
Correlating Cell Growth with Trace-Contaminant Degradation by
Wastewater Microorganisms
Collaborative Webtools for Astronomers
Thermal Conductivity of Martian Soil Analog
Increasing Algal Lipid Production For Use in Biofuels
Saturn, Titan, and the Solar Wind: The Effect of Heavy Ion Outflow
from Titan on the Magnetopause of Saturn
Investigating the Optimal Distribution of Feedback Controls in
Biochemical Networks
An Investigation of Understanding of Limits in the Context of
Kinematics
Modeling Extrasolar Planets with Jupiter & Io
Designing a Magnetic Nozzle for a High-powered Helicon
Plasma Thruster
Optimizing the Passive Mechanical Properties of a Fibrin Scaffold
for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Space Grant Summer
Undergraduate Research Program
Student
Advisor
Department
Elizabeth Korsmo
Karen Goldberg
Chemistry
Leah Landsem
Maureen Neitz
Ophthalmology
Natalie Larson
Tia Lerud
Paolo Feraboli
Erika Harnett
Aero/Astronautics
Earth/Space Sciences
Alexander Lindsey
Xiaosong Li
Chemistry
Brittney Livingston Daniel Gamelin
Michael Lunceford Kari Bohringer
Chemistry
Electrical Engr.
Abigail McClintic
Wayne McNeal
Pierre Mourad
Heidi Gough
Applied Physics Lab.
Civil/Environ. Engr.
Katherine Mitchell
Joseph Moody
Matthew Munch
Theodore Newell
Jeffrey Gardner
Stephen Wood
Rose Ann Cattolico
Robert Winglee
Physics
Earth/Space Sciences
Biology
Earth/Space Sciences
Bennett Ng
Herbert Sauro
Bioengineering
Alexis Olsho
Peter Shaffer
Physics
Julian Picard
Nathan Precup
Erika Harnett
Robert Winglee
Earth/Space Sciences
Earth/Space Sciences
Gabrielle Robinson Michael Regnier
Bioengineering
SURP is supported by Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium, the Mary
Gates Endowment for Students, the NASA Astrobiology Institute and grants to
individual faculty.
Benjamin King
A Running Start student, Benjamin King
was homeschooled until his enrollment
at North Seattle Community College.
While there, he tutored in the electronics
engineering technology program and was
a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor
Society.
A National Merit commended scholar,
he plays jazz piano and soccer, and is a
talented artist, working in jewelry design and metal sculpture. Last summer
he took part in the Space Grant Summer
Undergraduate Research Program, studying ice layers on Mars.
He plans to major in Earth sciences.
Samantha Kunze
Tahoma High graduate Samantha Kunze
wants to major in civil and environmental engineering because the world faces
crucial environmental problems and
“engineers are problem solvers.”
Samantha served as design captain for
her school’s robotics club and was a regional finalist in the FIRST Robotics competition. She participated in Washington
Aerospace Scholars, a statewide NASAdesigned engineering program for high
school juniors. A member of the National
Honor Society, she also participated in Key club and STAND, an
anti-genocide group.
Natalie Larson
Natalie Larson has always been fascinated by physics and questions of how
the world functions. As a participant in
the Space Grant Summer Undergraduate
Research Program, she tried to answer
those types of questions by studying the
damage resistance of carbon composites.
A National Merit commended scholar,
the Bothell High graduate served as
treasurer for the Honor Society and
competed in Knowledge Bowl. She was
a member of the international club and
competed in drill, tennis and cross country. She plans to major in
aeronautical, chemical or mechanical engineering.
Alysia Letourneau
Alysia Letourneau plans to major in
engineering, combining her aptitude
for math with her growing interest in
science and computer technology.
An Everett High graduate, she was
scholar of the month in both the math
and science departments. She was a
member of the spirit club and honor
society. She received the American
Association of University Women’s
technology award and competed in
varsity basketball, tennis and soccer,
playing on two state championship teams. She was also president
of the ultimate Frisbee club.
Space Grant Summer
Undergraduate Research Program
Project
A Rapid Test for HIV-1 p24 Protein Using a Novel Thermal-Responsive
Polymer System
Understanding and Modeling Human Decision Making
The Atmospheric Biogeochemistry on Exoplanets: An Indicator of Life
Capacitive Shear Force Sensors
Light-induced Brownian Motion
Classifying Quasars by their Variability Using a Statistical Model
Performance Testing of High Power Helicon Plasma Thruster
Examining Changes in Sea Surface Temperature Due to Typhoons in the
Western Pacific Ocean Concentration
Understanding and Modeling Human Decision Making
Correcting Temperature Effects in Scintillators Used to Detect X-Rays
Meristemoid Gene Expressions in Arabidopsis thaliana Cell
Development and Proliferation
Intense Focused Ultrasound (iFU) for Localizing Pain
Adapting Seagliders to Autonomously Record and Monitor Marine
Mammal Acoustics
Thermal Breakdown of Boulders due to Stresses Induced by the Sun
Quantum Coherence in Photosynthesis
Spectroscopic Analysis of the Saturnian Satellite Phoebe
Computational Study of Nonlinear Optic Phenylpolyene-based
Chromophores
The Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Fracture Toughness and Failure
Mode of Composite Bonded Joints
Making OneBusAway Accessible for Blind and Deaf-Blind Users
Dietary Curcumin as a Neuroprotective Agent
Radar Evidence for Ice Flow on Mars
Tracing Radar Layers in Ice on Mars to Seek Evidence for Past Ice Flow
Affect of Parent Size on Chick Survival in Magellanic Penguins
(Spheniscus Magellanicus)
Space Grant Summer
Undergraduate Research Program
Student
Advisor
Department
Carlos E. Estrada
Alamo
Tyler Beauchamp
David Bergsman
Aaron Bestick
Anish Bhalerao
Keira Brooks
Deven Bryant
Sophia Burkhart
Patrick Stayton
Bioengineering
Kristi Morgansen
David Catling
A. Mamishev
Gerald Pollack
Zeljko Ivezic
Robert Winglee
Ren-Chieh Lien
Aero/Astronautics
Earth/Space Sciences
Electrical Engr.
Bioengineering
Astronomy
Earth/Space Sciences
Applied Physics Lab.
Gagandeep Dhillon Kristi Morgansen
Sy Donovan-Smith Michael McCarthy
Mauna Edrozo
Keiko Torii
Aero/Astronautics
Earth/Space Sciences
Biology
Josephine Garcia
Mariah Gentry
Pierre Mourad
Neil Bogue
Neurosurgery
Applied Physics Lab.
Kari Hankins
Jennifer Hanson
Emily Hollenbeck
Jane Hung
Peter Mackenzie
Dave Bacon
Gary Hansen
Xiaosong Li
Civil/Environ. Eng.
Computer Science
Earth/Space Sciences
Chemistry
Kelsi Hurley
Brian Flynn
Materials Sci/Engr.
William Johnson
Derek Khorsand
Benjamin King
Ryan Knott
R
Laura Koehn
Richard Ladner
Leo Pallanck
Dale Winebrenner
Dale Winebrenner
Dee Boersma
Computer Science
Genome Sciences
Applied Physics Lab.
Applied Physics Lab.
Biology
SURP is supported by Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium, the Mary
Gates Endowment for Students, the NASA Astrobiology Institute and grants to
individual faculty.
Allen Liu
A National Merit semifinalist, Allen Liu
served as software lead for Eastlake
High’s FIRST Robotics team. He plans
to major in computer science and
engineering.
Allen served as co-president of the math
club, which placed third in regionals,
and was a founding member of the
school’s Spanish and science honor
societies. As captain of the National
Academic League team, he led the team
to the national semifinals. He also ran
track, played varsity tennis and refereed for youth soccer games.
Chelsea Mackaman-Lofland
Woodinville High graduate Chelsea
Mackaman-Lofland is enthralled by
“what’s under the dirt.” Her goal is to
complete a major in Earth and space
sciences and become a geologist. She
is especially interested in the working
on problems of renewable energy and
global warming.
A National Merit commended scholar,
she is a member of National Honor
Society and lettered in marching band.
She was a member of the science club,
ran in the Relay4Life and is a member of Vertical World’s rock
climbing team.
Constance Ozimek
A National Merit commended scholar,
Constance Ozimek is passionate about
the outdoors and science. She was a
member of Washington State Explorer
Search and Rescue for four years and
worked for two years as a National Park
ranger assistant.
The Central Kitsap High graduate
was active in National Honor Society
and Key Club. An exchange student
to Italy in her junior year, she also
played varsity tennis and competed
on the school’s sailing team. Her goal is to earn a post-graduate
degree in physics and go into research, preferably in a challenging
environment such as Antarctica.
Julian Picard
As a founding member of the nationally
ranked Ingraham High rocketry club,
Julian Picard is already launched toward
his goal of working at NASA Goddard
Space Flight Center.
A National Merit semifinalist, he also
participated in Washington Aerospace
Scholars, a statewide NASA-designed
engineering program for high school
juniors. He still found time to serve
as a peer mentor, play on the ultimate
Frisbee team, and volunteer with
Washington Trails Association. Last summer, he participated
in the Space Grant Summer Undergraduate Research Program,
researching computer modeling of astrophysical phenomena. He
plans to major in astrophysics.
2009
Student
Research
Programs
Molly Phariss
Molly Phariss, a doctoral
candidate in materials
science and engineering,
is completing her
research on the effect
of substrate surface
chemistry and roughness
on the quality of adhesive
bonds in composite
materials. Robust and
reliable composite
bonds are required for
aerospace designers and
manufacturers to take full
advantage of advanced
composite materials.
Elliot Ransom
A National Merit semifinalist, Elliot
Ransom is intrigued by the mutability
of data and its influence on perceptions.
He plans to major in engineering and
mathematics.
The Ballard High graduate is a member
of the school chess team and a chess
instructor for the teams at Whittier
and Salmon Bay elementary schools.
He also volunteered as copy editor
with the school newspaper. A talented
saxophonist, he won the soloist award at
the Mill Creek Jazz Festival and was selected for the Northwest
High School Honor Band.
Brennen Smith
As a participant in Washington
Aerospace Scholars, a statewide NASAdesigned engineering program for high
school juniors, Brennen Smith designed a
rocket capable of delivering a 12-person
team to Mars and bringing them home
safely. The experience cemented his goal
of majoring in aerospace engineering.
The Squalicum High graduate played
with the Northwest Sound Youth
Orchestra, took first place in the
Whatcom County science fair, and
competed in track, swimming, cross country and ski racing. An
exchange student to France, he also took part in the Global Young
Leaders Conference in Europe.
Johannah Verhulst
Johannah Verhulst wants to understand
the building blocks of our existence.
Before graduating from Capitol High,
she participated in biology research at
the Evergreen State College Phage Lab
and through the Department of Fish and
Wildlife.
A National Merit Commended scholar,
she also competed in track and cross
country, and was a founding member
of the school’s minesweeping club,
dedicated to the removal of landmines
worldwide. She plans to pursue a career in biological research.
Isaac Larsen
Isaac Larsen’s research combines
remote sensing, modeling and
field data to study the landscape
evolution of the eastern
Himalayas. It will also be used to
create landslide density maps to
help local officials assess landslide
hazards in developing areas.
An Earth and space sciences
fellow, he received a master’s
degree from Utah State University,
and worked for three years as a
research scientist at Colorado
State University, publishing data
from wildfire studies.
Emily Mullen
Emily Mullen, an Earth and
space sciences fellow, is
researching the petrologic,
geochemical and tectonic
evolution of Mt. Baker’s volcanic
field. Last year she spent two
weeks analyzing basalt samples
at Johnson Space Center.
In 2006, she co-authored a
paper on thermal histories of
lunar samples for Geochimica
et Cosmochimica Acta and
was co-author of two abstracts
presented at the Lunar and
Planetary Science Conference.
Shelly Arreguin
Shelly Arreguin, a doctoral
candidate in materials science and
engineering, is working on the
design of new material systems
for energy storage and catalytic
reactions.
At the University of Colorado
at Boulder, she participated in
collaborative research with the
National Renewable Energy
Laboratory and the University of
Trento, Italy. She was also lead
author of a publication on irondopamine complexes in the Journal
of Biological Inorganic Chemistry.
Julio Davis
Julio Davis, a mechanical
engineering fellow, is developing
a new analytical coverage model
for the shot peen process. Shot
peening is used to improve
the fatigue life and corrosion
resistance in metallic parts, and
is vital in aircraft and spacecraft
manufacturing. In August, he
presented his preliminary results
at the American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics
conference.
The first in his family to attend
college, he enjoys mentoring
students and high school outreach.
2009
Community
College
Transfer
Scholars
Phillip Andrist
After his first physics class at Green
River Community College, Phillip
Andrist knew he wanted to continue
into graduate school and a career in
research. He plans to major in physics
and astronautics.
He was a member of the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers and
worked as a tutor and math grader.
A talented singer, he participated in
jazz choir and received the Robert L.
Yeoull Scholarship for Art and Music. A
member of his high school tennis team in
Okanogan County, he placed second in state doubles competition.
Paola Florio Conchi
An aerospace veteran, Paola Florio
Conchi plans to take her engineering
degree back into the industry where she
has flourished for the past 15 years.
The Shoreline Community College
alumna began her studies at the
University of Architecture in Naples.
She left in her sophomore year for
a position with an Italian aerospace
company. As a designer and structural
analyst, she led her company’s research
team on APRICOS (Advanced PRImary Composite Structures),
a joint European research venture. She was also worked on the
Alenia stabilizer design for the Boeing 787. She is a member of
the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and plans to major in civil or
mechanical engineering.
2009
Space Grant
Graduate
Fellows
Andrew Ishizuka
Andrew Ishizuka of Mercer
Island has taken every
undergraduate Honors science
series offered at the University of
Washington and recently began
on the graduate level courses,
starting with global health and
immunology
immunology.
A junior majoring in
biochemistry and chemistry,
he plans to pursue a career in
biomedical research, with an
emphasis on developing a broad
spectrum, inexpensive treatment
for tropical diseases.
As a student researcher at the Seattle Biomedical Research
Institute, he is participating in research into gene-based vaccines
for malaria. In the summer of 2007, he traveled to Sierra Leone,
where he witnessed first hand the disease’s impact on exposed
third world countries. Last summer he spent two months
working at a rural health clinic in the Peruvian Andes. His
overseas travel has given him with a strong motivation to
continue in research, he says.
Andrew is an Honors peer mentor and a founding editor of the
UW Undergraduate Research Journal. He also volunteers in the
emergency department of Harborview Medical Center.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit
organization established by the Mercury Astronauts in 1984. Its
goal is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in
science and technology by providing scholarships for exceptional
college students pursuing degrees in these fields. Today, more
than 80 astronauts from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle
and Space Station programs have joined in this educational
endeavor.
Nicole Evans
Passionate about finding Earth-like
planets outside our solar system, Nicole
Evans says her goal is to work as a
NASA research scientist, probably in the
interdisciplinary field of astrobiology.
At Seattle Central Community College,
she was a charter member of SPACE
(Students Practicing Astronomy in a
Collaborative Environment), organizing
star parties and field trips. The group
also coordinated the purchase of a highpowered telescope for SCCC’s science
department. She was also a member of the Tropos Rocket Team
and researched exoplanet transit under UW Professor Ana Larson.
She plans to major in astronomy and physics.
2009
Astronaut
Foundation
Scholar
2009
Continuing
Space Grant
Scholars
2009-10 Continuing Scholars
2009-10 Continuing Scholars
Student Name
Rank
Major
Student Name
Rank
Major
Lorne Arnold
Karin Asplund
Rebecca Ball
Tyler Beauchamp
Kevin Bell
David Bergsman
Jennifer Braun
Elliott Brossard
Sophia Burkhart
Dean Chahim
Andrew Chesterfield
Hannah Christensen
Brian Clarke
Matthew D’Asaro
Elizabeth deLeeuw
Gagandeep Dhillon
Melvin Donaldson
Kellen Donohue
Mauna Edrozo
Pranoti Hiremath
Emily Hollenbeck
Jane Hung
Robin Kirkpatrick
Elizabeth Korsmo
Stephen Kreiger
Michelle Kriner
Tia Lerud
Sean Livingston
Austin Lueck
Jonathan Luo
Laura Mayorga
Senior
Senior
Junior
Sophomore
Senior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Sophomore
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Sophomore
Senior
Junior
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Sophomore
Civil/Env. Engineering
Bioengineering
Physics/Astronomy
Computer Sci/Eng.°
Physics
Engineering°
Computer Sci/Eng.°
Computer Science
Engineering°
Civil Engineering
Biology°
Computer Engineering
Physics
E/Mechanical Eng.
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Biochemistry
Computer Engineering
Biology°
Bioengineering
Engineering°
Mathematics/Physics°
Bioengineering
Chemistry
Math/Physics
Biochemistry
Applied Math (ACMS)
Aero/Astronautics°
Aero/Astronautics
CS/Bioengineering
Astronomy
Abigail McClintic
Brittney McKenzie
Martina Miteva
Theodore Newell
Chelsea Olson
Juliette Peyroux
Christopher Raastad
Alyssa Sheih
Cosmo Smith
Eriel Thomas
Kunal Vaswani
Genia Vogman
Justin Watson
Tyler Wickstrom
Corbin Williams
James Wong
Rebecca Wu
Krysta Yousoufian
Junior
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Sophomore
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Sophomore
Senior
Neurobiology°
Bioengineering
Bioengineering
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Aero/Astronautics
Math/Computer Sci.
Bioengineering
Physics/Computer Sci.
Computer Science
Civil Engineering°
Aero/Astronautics
Chemistry/ACMS
Engineering°
Engineering°
Bioengineering
Bioengineering°
Computer Science
Rank is based on the year of UW attendance, not accumulated credit hours.
* Scholarship co-sponsored by the Mary Gates Endowment
° pre-major