One of the added values of being admitted to the Gatton Academy is the chance to engage in real, undergraduate-level research projects while studying at Western Kentucky University.  Gatton Academy students are encouraged to participate in research both during the academic year and through research internships during the summer months.  Research conducted on-campus during the academic year allows students to pursue their specific scientific interests beyond the curriculum, working under the supervision of a university professor.

The Gatton Academy’s strategic partnership with Western Kentucky University benefits our students by offering abundant research opportunities outside the doors of Florence Schneider Hall.  WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering is praised for its longtime commitment to involving undergraduates in research.  Gatton Academy students have access to research opportunities in any of the college’s departments, including Agriculture, Architecture and Manufacturing Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography and Geology, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Physics and Astronomy.

Our students are encouraged to use their research experiences as a springboard for scientific competitions and to contribute to the scientific community.  Indeed, it is one’s research project that is the threshold experience that is required for many of the high-level scholarships and experiences our students compete for.  For example, our students are encouraged to enter the Siemens Competition and the Intel Science Talent Search, both STEM-based research competitions for high school students.  Furthermore, our students have the chance to present their research at local, regional, and national conferences.  Some students have even published scholarly papers with their research professors.

Being a part of a university research project, working in a WKU lab, and developing strong relationships with professors is part of the unique value that can be a part of the Academy experience.  In terms of research, Gatton Academy students truly have infinite possibilities.

Two semesters or more of research, it should be noted, is a requirement for all Gatton students who wish to receive the recognition of Honors or Honors with Distinction at graduation.

Questions regarding the Gatton Academy’s research program may be addressed by contacting the Coordinator: Research, Internships and Scholarships 270-745-6565 or at derick.strode@wku.edu.

Research Spotlight

WKU Genome Discovery and Exploration Program

(part of the National Genomics Research initiative sponsored by the Science Education Alliance at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

The Genome Discovery and Exploration Program is a renowned and unique opportunity that first-year Gatton Academy students with biotechnology interests have a chance to participate in.  The program is open to all first-time WKU undergraduates each year.  Because incoming Gatton Academy juniors are considered first-time WKU students, they are also eligible to apply.  In the 2009-10 academic year, 12 Gatton Academy juniors are participating in the yearlong research experience that gives them the chance to conduct real scientific research in a guided environment.