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Metro Washington  Home Schools Supported Scholarships Our Donor Partners Scholar Selection 2009-2010 Scholarship Recipients ARCS Recognized by MSBR 2009 Eagle Award Gala 2009 Eagle Award Recipient Previous Eagle Award Recipients National Scholar Alumni Newsletters ARCS Metro Washington Alumni |
2009-2010 Scholarship Recipients
 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 award.  Eric M. PattersonBiology
Chapter Scholar
PhD 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.  Monique KoppelChemistry
Van Scoyoc Kelly 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.   Brenton J. DuffyMechanical and Aerospace Engineering Booz Allen Hamilton Scholar PhD Candidate - BS degree from North Carolina State University. Research project focuses on the dynamics and control of low-thrust aerospace systems. Advantages of low-thrust propulsion include greater range of controllability, better versatility for application to a variety of missions, and significant improvement in fuel comsumption efficiency. Second ARCS award.  Yi JinElectrical 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
Chapter Scolar
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.  Bennett N. WalkerChemistry Chapter Scholar PhD Candidate - BS degree from Trinity College. Research investigates surface chemistry and morphology effects using laser induced silicon microcolumn arrays (LISMA) as a matrix-free platform for laser desorption ionization from meso-structures for the mass spectrometry of bio-molecules. Using the LISMA ionization platform, molecular weight and structural information can be obtained on biomolecules at low and elevated laser fluences. Second ARCS award.  Anna Korovina Chemistry
The Jane Poe Endowment 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 cells environments to differentiate between kinetic effects versus equilibrium thermodynamic effects. Main goal is the research and development of more active and cost effective catalyst materials to operate fuel cells.   Marcin A. BalickiComputer 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 award.  Stephanie I. Wilson FraleyChemical and Biomolecular Engineering Chapter Scholar PhD Candidate - BS degree from University of Tennessee – Chattanooga. Research in fundamental cell biology focuses on the mechanics of cell motility related to internal and external conditions of the cell, specifically the effects of intracellular protein expression and extracellular environment changes on cancerous human cell lines. Stephanie has shown that the function of certain force-sensing proteins is very different for cells in a 3D environment as opposed to cells on a planar substratum (2D). Second ARCS award.  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, optomotor yaw regulation in the fruit fly and refuge-tracking in the weakly electric glass knifefish. 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.  Bridget Wildt
Materials Science Raytheon Scholar PhD Candidate - BA from Goucher College. Research focuses on developing a new technology to finely control the sub-cellular detachment of cells from engineered substrates at the molecular level. The technique, sub-cellular release, allows the quantitative study of cell detachment dynamics, focal adhesion disassembly, and the study of the regulators of cell detachment. The goal is to understand the fundamentals of cell motility and pathological processes such as cancer cell metastasis. Third ARCS award.
 Bryan R. BensonChemical and Biomolecular Engineering Undergraduate (fourth year) working for BS. Research is in the fields of smart materials, microfluidics, and micro/nanofabrication. Bryan helped design and produce the world’s first tetherless microgrippers and containers. He is currently modifying the microgripper to create a new device that acts as a microclamp. Second ARCS award.
 Thomas K. BlissMechanical and Aerospace Engineering General Dynamics Scholar PhD Candidate - BS degree from University of Virginia. Interdisciplinary research studies combining synthetic neural network system that controls oscillatory motion and morphing tensegrity structures to generate an underwater, biomimetic propulsion robot that swims like a manta ray. Career goal is to work on exploring novel approaches to unmanned autonomous vehicles.
Chemical Engineering
Chapter Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree in Biochemistry from Florida State University. Research in the field of downstream protein processing focuses on ion exchange chromatography (IEC). Theresa is studying how protein self-association and denaturation affect binding capacity and adsorption kinetics, with the goal of optimal process productivity. This knowledge will be used to improve process design and efficiency of vaccines or protein products.  Ori D. FoxAstronomy (Astrophysics) Aerospace Corporation Scholar
PhD Candidate - BS degree from Boston University.
Research in the fields of stellar evolution, stellar deaths (supernovas), the dust produced by supernovas, and infared instrumentation focuses on dust formation from supernovas. Specifically, he is using the technology of characterizing mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) detector arrays.  Rebecca J. SalomonChemistry Mars Foundation Scholar PhD Candidate - BS degree from University of Delaware. Research in the field of organometallic chemistry focuses on developing a new approach to the synthesis of potential new pharmaceuticals. Tungsten is used to facilitate the transformation of smaller molecules from a common class of molecules known as aromatics, found in crude oil, into new molecules of more complex structure. These building blocks can potentially form new therapeutic pharmaceutical compounds. Second ARCS award.
  Brendan J. CaseyBioengineering Bristol Meyers Scholar PhD Candidate - BS degree from Duke University. Research involves investigating and characterizing the interactions which occur between synthetic, polymeric materials and biological proteins. Specifically, the focus is on developing a “smart” polymeric material capable of actively manipulating the blood coagulation cascade. The goal is to control effectively critical hemorrhaging and save lives. Third ARCS award.
 Nathan P. SiwakElectrical 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.  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.  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.  Natalie M. SalaetsElectrical and Computer Engineering Undergraduate (third year) working towards BS in Electrical Engineering. Focus of interdisciplinary team project within the Gemstone Program is on creating an improved, interactive rehabilitation training system for post-stroke patients. Natalie’s team is designing a miniaturized software and hardware system that can decompose and classify EMG (electromyographic) signals from particular muscles in the human body used for walking.
This is Natalie's Second ARCS Award.
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Theresa E. Bankston