WKU News

Students from all over the world apply to the Research Science Institute (RSI), collaboratively sponsored by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Center for Excellence in Education, to have the opportunity to conduct science and engineering research during the free six-week summer program. Emma Hyman, a junior at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics Science and DuPont Manual High School, was selected out of 2500 applicants to join this summer’s cohort of 100 students. Hyman and her peers will participate in intensive STEM coursework and research internships that will culminate in final written and oral presentations.

“It is an amazing honor to be selected for the Research Science Institute,” said Hyman of the accomplishment. “I appreciate everyone who has supported me, and am especially grateful for The Gatton Academy, which has provided many research opportunities that will undoubtedly have prepared me for RSI.”

Hyman has worked with Dr. Gerard Williger of University of Louisville’s Department of Physics and Astronomy characterizing the star AB Aurigae and presented her findings at the American Astronomical Society’s annual conference. Her more recent research is under the mentorship of Western Kentucky University’s Dr. Ajay Srivastava in the Department of Biology. This project looks at the nuclear pore complex of Drosphila during tumor metastasis to better understand cancerous development.

“Emma Hyman is a remarkable student who looks for opportunities and dives in when they are presented. She is also a remarkable person who supports her friends and peers and serves the community,” stated Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy. “It is wonderful for Emma to be recognized through her acceptance to RSI. She will represent Kentucky well and build important bridges for her future and the future of the state.”

In addition to her research, Hyman is a member of Gatton’s Biology and Chemistry Clubs and is a member of Louisville’s iGEM team, which recently received the silver medal in an international competition. In response to the news, Hyman said, “I hope my experience at RSI will contribute to my career goal of researching biotechnology – more specifically genetic engineering.”

Gatton Academy and Larry A Ryle High School Alumnus, Allen Lin, was selected for the RSI program’s 2021 cohort. He successfully went on to receive the Gates Scholarship and admission to MIT’s math program where he is currently a student. 

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.

About the Center for Excellence in Education: The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was founded in 1983 by the late Admiral H.G. Rickover and Joann P. DiGennaro, President of the Center. The Center’s mission is to nurture high school and university scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and to encourage collaboration between and among scientific and technological leaders in the global community. CEE sponsors the Research Science Institute (RSI), USA Biolympiad (USABO), Teacher Enrichment Program (TEP), and STEM Lyceums. For more information, visit www.cee.org.