OUR SCHOOLS

Summer is STEM time for MU science students

Carol Gorga Williams
@APPCarol
  • School of Science 6th annual summer research symposium 10:30 a.m. 8/14 in Erlanger Gardens at MU.
  • Students have been working on research projects in wet laboratory, computer laboratory and field research environments.
  • Summer research students gain valuable time in their field to help make decisions on STEM careers.


Students from as far away as University of Delaware and John Hopkins have joined Monmouth University students for a series of unique science experiences they hope will help show them the way.

Either the students fall madly in love with field research or they realize it is not for them, saving them years of further study and preparation, said James A. Nickels, marine scientist on staff with the Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University.

"It is that old story, you can't get a job without experience and you can't get experience without a job," Nickels said.

In the time the 2014 program has been ongoing, students have had a variety of experiences from operating a remote vehicle in western Raritan Bay to check the wild oyster population to surveying Barnegat Bay zooplankton and checking water level gauges in Wreck Pond and Takanassee Lake. The field researchers also are conducting a hydrographic survey in Ross Lake. Participants include high school and college students.

Mitchell Mickley, 22, of Howell, a recent Monmouth University graduate looking for a job in environmental consulting said being outside helps. But he's got more practical motivations for joining the field research program.

"A lot of it is resume building but I also enjoy being outside," said Mickley. "I would recommend it to people who have a general interest in science ...and who like working with their hands."

Emily Cristiano, 20, of Perth Amboy, is starting her junior year at Monmouth where she is studying marine biology and environmental policy. She said she wanted to acquire some field research experience.

"I think you need to have a passion for what you are doing," said Cristiano who noted her crew generally walks the 1/4 mile from Monmouth University to the Takanassee Lake on sampling day. "Hopefully, I can do this next summer. I would have done it regardless of the pay but it is definitely a plus."

Monmouth University's School of Science Summer Research Program has been under way for the past 10 weeks. Now in its sixth year, the SRP enables students to work on research projects under the supervision of School of Science faculty and staff. Student researchers are carrying out original research in disciplines including biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, nanotechnology, software engineering and watershed management among other topics.

The students also compared infection rates in three surgical methods for repairing torn anterior cruciate ligament or ACLs in dogs. They are studying training regimens in Lacrosse; measuring teacher effectiveness with high performing high school students; malpractice insurance attitudes among New Jersey residents; designing next generation solar cells: storm effects on Monmouth County coastal lakes: before and after Sandy and nanotechnology-based drug delivery system of anti-cancer drugs. The public is invited to review research projects from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14 in Erlander Gardens on campus. For a full listing of research projects, visit http://bit.ly/VfEY1G.

"Entry into graduate and professional schools in STEM is intensely competitive," said Michael Palladino, dean of the School of Science in an email. "Research experience is a necessity for students who want to pursue an advanced degree and a quality research experience can give students an advantage when compared to other students with similar grades and standardized test scores. The Summer Research Program is also a way for students to be employed in a science-related job and thus builds their resume and employs them at the same time – a win–win."

Carol Gorga Williams: 732-643-4212: CGorgaWilliams@app.com.