Ilana G. Goldberg
Chemistry
McNichols Family Foundation Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from Brandeis University and Fulbright Scholarship (as an undergraduate) at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Research focuses on developing and applying template-directed growth techniques to the growth of both protein and small molecule types of crystals. Direct applications of this research include improving the stability of high energy materials and controlling polymorphism, which is important for pharmaceuticals. For proteins, template-based methods may help the process of growing crystals. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Eric M. PattersonPhD Candidate - BA degree from University of Colorado.
Research studies the physiology of dolphins in the wild by the collecting and biochemical analysis of “blow,” material released from dolphins’ lungs when they surface to breathe. This information will be used in assessing dolphins’ diet, reproductive hormones, genetics, and health, as well as aiding fisheries management and monitoring of climate changes. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Monique KoppelChemistry
Mars Foundation Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from University of Maryland.
Research goal is to synthesize a milder, transition metal-based catalyst that will reduce carbonyls. The metal-ligand bi-functional catalyst for ionic hydrogenation is planned to work in aqueous systems and reduce carbon dioxide and other harmful waste products. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Brenton J. Duffy
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Booz Allen Hamilton Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from North Carolina State University.
Research project is aimed at developing guidance and control methods for interplanetary spacecraft focusing on non-circular multi-body systems and low-thrust propulsion. Advantages of low-thrust propulsion include greater range of controllability, better versatility for application to a variety of missions, and significant improvement in fuel consumption efficiency. Third ARCS Foundation award.
Yi Jin
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Lockheed Martin Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from University of Virginia. Research focuses on the experimental measurements and mathematical modeling of magnetic nanostructures, magnetic recording media, magneto-optical media, and magnetorestrictive materials.
Second ARCS award.
Jessica StoleeChemistry
Carleen Sims Endowment Fellow
PhD Candidate - BS degree from George Washington University.
Research is focused on using and developing matrix-free methods for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in analytical chemistry as well as performing molecular dynamics simulations to solve biological problems. One example is to identify and differentiate metabolites found in lymphoblastoid cell lines from twins differing in severity of autism. The goal is to identify possible biomarkers of autism for use in targeted drug therapy. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Anna Korovina
Chemistry
Bristol Myers Squibb Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Research involves studying the coverage of hydroxide and oxygen on platinum catalysts and comparing these coverages in an insitu electrochemical cell versus operando fuel cell environments to differentiate between kinetic effects versus equilibrium thermodynamic effects. Main goal is the research and development of ore active and cost effective catalyst materials to operate fuel cells. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Marcin A. Balicki
Computer Science
ACT/IAC Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS/MS degrees from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
Current research centers on optical sensors for surgical instruments and microsurgical robot systems. By providing real time navigation and tissue characterization capability built into conventional and microrobotic surgical instruments, surgical performance is enhanced. The goal is to develop breakthrough systems and techniques for more accurate and less traumatic invasive surgical procedures. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Kenneth (Mike) SalernoPhysics & Astronomy
Hoernig Family Scholar
PhD Candidate – BA degree from Princeton University
Research uses high performance computing to develop new models and computer algorithms that span scales and disciplines to capture the evolution of crack formation in structural elements and tectonic plates, as well as the onset of sliding friction between engineered components and along earthquake faults.
Eatai Roth Mechanical Engineering
Chapter Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from University of Pittsburgh.
Research project uses mathematical modeling and experimentation to understand how animals process sensory information to control movement. Study focuses on behaviors called image-stabilization tasks in two animal systems, A foundational knowledge of basic neuromuscular processes could aid in treatment for human neuromuscular disorders, such as ALS and Parkinson’s disease, and in the field of sensor-based robotics. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Melissa AikensBiology
Chapter Scholar
PhD Candidate – BA degree from Bowdoin College
Research goal is to examine how ecological and genetic factors may be limiting the distribution of Prenanthes roanensis (Roan Mountain rattlesnake-root), a high elevation herbaceous perennial with a restricted range. This study will increase our understanding of the factors that are involved in range limits, and the results of this study may inform conservation decisions on other high-elevation species.
Erin Kallman
Civil Engineering
Chapter Scholar
PhD Candidate–BS in Chemistry from University of Virginia
Research focuses on developing and optimizing household water treatment technologies. Specifically on ceramic filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles for microbial reduction in both field and laboratory studies. In addition to evaluating the technical performance, an interdisciplinary research group has been formed to assess the social acceptance and health benefits of household drinking water treatment options.
Ross Gore
Computer Science
General Dynamics Scholar
PhD Candidate – BS degree from the University of Richmond
Developing a set of tools that support the understanding and validation of simulation predictions that cannot be confirmed through physical experimentation due to ethical or other constraints related to public policy decision making.
Kate MalinowskiBioengineering
Raytheon Corporation Scholar
PhD Candidate – BS and MS from Washington University in St. Louis
Research is focused on developing a noninvasive method for rapidly localizing lung tumors that move with each breath. The technique will make it possible to more accurately target radiation to lung tumors, thereby decreasing radiation-induced side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Ankush Khullar (Undergraduate)
Biochemistry and Economics
Pursuing a Bachelors of Science
Research focuses on the biosynthesis of pyrrolo[1,4]benzodiazepines (PBDs), a class of naturally produced antibiotics with antitumor properties. He previously performed gene knockout experiments to elucidate the function of two genes involve in the biosynthesis tomaymycin and sibiromycin, two different PBDs, and is currently working on characterizing three orthologous proteins involved in the early steps of PBD synthesis that may represent a new class of tyrosine hydroxylases.
Nathan P. Siwak
Electrical Engineering
Lockheed Martin Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS and MS degrees - University of Maryland.
Research focuses on homeland security chemical sensing applications using indium phosphide MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) optical switches. Project is the fully monolithic integration of active and passive optical components onto a single chip chemical sensor platform, specifically through developing on-chip semiconductor optical sources. Goal is to produce sensor systems which are highly sensitive and small. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Seth R. Thomas
Biochemistry
Chapter Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from The Ohio State University.
Research involves macromolecular crystallography of critical components of cellular processes, specifically those that affect cellular proliferation. Current project is the structural and functional characterization of Fio3, an atypical protein kinase possibly involved in the synthesis of new ribosomes and unregulated in certain cancers. Second ARCS Foundation award.
Stefanie A. Sherrill
Chemistry
ACT/IAC Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from University of Florida.
Research, based on the chemistry and engineering of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), is the design and fabrication of a multilayered nanotube electrostatic capacitor for electrical energy storage. Using the dimensions of AAO with atomic layer deposition, the goal is to develop multilayered electrical energy storage nanodevices. Second ARCS Foundation award.
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