10th Annual
Summer Workshop
June 6-8, 2012
Sponsored by:
Excite! Tracks
Molecules
Visualizing and Modeling Molecules—Elizabeth Ploetz Dept. of
Chemistry, Weihong Zhang Dr. Paul E. Smith - Dept. of Biochemistry
You will explore the microscopic world of the molecules of life! First, you will learn about
how the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules (including DNA and proteins)
allows them to perform their jobs, all through hands-on activities. Second, you will
analyze computer simulations to understand how the movements and intra- and intermolecular interactions of biomolecules are related to their functions.
Genes and Microbes—Richard Todd , PhD, Department of Plant
Pathology
You will cut DNA into fragments using restriction enzymes, the molecular scissors that
enable gene cloning and genetic engineering. The DNA fragments will be separated
using gel electrophoresis. You will also be introduced to genetics, the study of genes
and their inheritance in a fungus.
NASA Health Senor Design—Amy Hodges, Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering
You will learn about sensors, what they do and test sensors and discuss the importance
of sensors.
Hands on Bio-Nano Technology— Robert Szoszkiewicz, PhD and Nicoleta
Ploscariu , Department of Physics
Much of what is known about protein dynamics has been studied using bulk
biochemistry and harsh denaturants, i.e., urea. By contrast, we work with single protein
molecules and use mechanical force as a denaturant (or the so-called unfolding agent).
Understanding unfolding at the single molecule level has implications in understanding
molecular mechanism of various protein related diseases and cancers. Furthermore,
mechanical forces are inherently present in biological systems: they operate in muscles,
are necessary for protein transport across cell membranes, and are involved in motion
of any biological object.
Microscope Tour—Daniel Boyle, PhD, Department of Biology
Take a tour of the Electron Microscope Laboratory and participate in viewing some of
the inhabitants of the micro-world.
Structures and Tornadoes
Strong as a Rock—Kyle Riding, PhD, Department of Civil Engineering
You will explore concrete and the climate process that builds our infrastructure by
making concrete samples and curing them. See how different materials affect concrete
strength development.
Tornadoes and GIS—Lisa Tabor and Ian Howard, Department of
Geography
Discuss tornadoes from a climatological perspective. Learn how GIS is used in terms of
tornado tracking and analysis and manipulate real Kansas data patters to better
understand tornado impact.
Muffin Baking Experiment—Becky Miller , PhD and David Krishock,
Department of Grain Science and Industry
You will be looking at the effect of pH on the color, flavor and texture of chocolate
muffins. You will learn about different chemical leavening, evaluate muffins and do
some instrumental texture measurements.
After the Storm—Yasché Glass, Chloé Callahan, Chris Packard, Rene Li
and Kathryn Douglass, EXCITE! Team
Participate in discussion of recent trip to Greensburg, KS to discuss how a town
recovers from a complete devastation from a tornado that nearly wiped the town off the
map.
Tornado of 08—Steve Galitzer, Department of Public Safety
Take a tour of the places that were effected on the K-State campus from the 2008
tornado.
Energy
Biofuels—Keith Hohn, PhD, Department of Chemical Engineering
You will synthesize and test biodiesels and learn about other ways to synthesize
biofuels.
Wind Turbines —Ruth Douglas Miller, Department of Geography
Discuss and develop model wind turbines for maximum efficiency of wind energy.
Solar Energy and Fuel Cells—Jun Li, PhD, Department of Chemistry
Through demonstrations and hands on experiments, learn about how solar energy is
converted into electricity, light wind and sound. Also learn how be used to power a
motor car.
Nuclear Reactor Tour— Department of Mechanical & Nuclear
Engineering
Take a tour of TRIGA Mark II research reactor. Learn about the real facts of what it
takes to maintain a nuclear reactor.
Plants
Soils are Alive—DeAnn Presley, PhD, Peter Tomlinson, PhD, Megan
Brown and Kim Carlson, Department of Agronomy
Did you know that soil is full of carbon and it’s a source and sink for greenhouse gases?
How does soil lose carbon? How can we measure carbon in soil? What lives in soil and
how do we measure soil life? This workshop will provide the answers to these
questions.
Women in Entomology—John Reese, PhD, Department of Entomology
Discuss opportunities for women in Entomology, learn about some recent research from
the Entomology department at K-State.
Garden and Insect Zoo—Scott McElwain, KSU Gardens
You will serve as the focus group and aid in the development of a high school tour for
the K-State Gardens and Insect Zoo.
Sex and Plants in Agriculture—Anite Dille, PhD and Kevin Donnelly,
PhD—Department of Agronomy
Take a close up look at flowers and reproduction in crop plants and weed plants through
hands-on activities and demonstrations.
The Below Ground World of Plants in the Talllgrass Prairie—Jesse
Nippert, PhD, Department of Biology
Develop an appreciation for the below ground growth and biomass of the tallgrass
prairie community.