Project AMPLE Motivates Teens to Choose Careers in Math, Science
Students from seven North Central West Virginia counties are learning about mathematics, science, graphics, occupational safety and computers during a free, two-week residential program at Fairmont State University.
Project AMPLE (Action Math and Physics Laboratory Experiences) Extended is a summer enrichment program in science, mathematics, engineering and computer technology for current 10th-grade students from designated GEAR UP schools. The program began Sunday, June 21, and runs through Wednesday, July 1. The purpose of Project AMPLE Extended is to motivate students with high potential to consider future careers as scientists, engineers and mathematicians.
Twelve students from Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Pendleton, Tucker and Upshur counties are participating in this year's program.
Dr. Erica Harvey, Chemistry Professor; Dr. Susan Goodwin, Mathematics Professor; Stephanie Yoho, Mathematics Teacher at Fairmont Senior High School and a math and chemistry alumna of FSU, are project directors.
"The underlying message of our program is that the exciting careers available in science, math and technology all require strong math backgrounds. Students need to take math and science classes every year during high school, so that they will have choices of careers when they start college," Harvey said. "They should also take advantage of opportunities to learn computer skills."
One major goal of Project AMPLE Extended is to help students, especially those from groups historically under-represented in the sciences, discover whether they might have potential for a career in math, science, graphics, engineering or computer science. Students complete a rigorous two-stage application process to become part of the program.
Dr. Andreas Baur of the FSU Chemistry Program is directing the Science program. Dennine LaRue of the FSU Math Program directs the Math program. Don Tobin of the FSU Computer Science Program and Dr. Martina Bachlechner of the FSU Physics Program are co-directing the Applied Computation program. Jayvijay Raol of the Pierpont C&TC Graphics Program directs the Video/Web program. Dr. Melissa Abbott and Kim Murphy of the FSU Occupational Safety Program direct the Safety program.
Shane Eakle, FSU alumnus, will direct the evening activities for the camp and serve as dorm supervisor. Michael Belmear, FSU Vice President for Student Affairs, serves as the evening program consultant.
Other staff members helping with Project AMPLE Extended this year include Rose Ann Levelle, math teaching assistant and office assistant; William Green and Jessica Kimball, science teaching assistants; Shane Poletti, computer teaching assistant;Â Jennifer Rinker, video/web assistant; Shayla White, Science, Applied Computation, Video/Web, Office Assistant; Sandy Shriver, AMPLE purchasing agent; Shanequa Washington, group leader; Bryan (B. J.) Scott, Anne Johnson and Brooke Michael, evening program and dorm assistants; and John Piscitelli, photography.Â
The following students from the following counties are participating in AMPLE:
Harrison County - Samantha Blair, Lucas Bolyard, Michelle Fore
Marion County - Kelly Humphreys, Jacob Richards, Amy Slone
Monongalia County - Swetha Doppalapudi
Preston County - Brittany Louk
Pendleton County - Christian Martin
Tucker County - Andrew Ray
Upshur County - Christina Bennett, Ambrea Evans
GEAR UP is a federally funded program that aims to significantly increase the number of students who are prepared to succeed in education beyond high school. For more information, call Fairmont State GEAR UP at (304) 367-0436.
In the front row from left to right are Shayla White, Shanequa Washington, Amy Slone, Brittany Louk, Christian Martin, Samantha Blair, Michelle Fore, Christina Bennett, Rose Ann Levelle, Anne Johnson and Sandy Shriver. In the back row from left to right are William Green, Dennine LaRue, Swetha Doppalapudi, Kelly Humphreys, Lucas Bolyard, Jacob Richards, Andrew Ray, Ambrea Evans, Don Tobin, Andreas Baur, Stephanie Yoho and Brooke Michael.
