Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Westminster College's Department of Mathematics and Computer Science recently hosted a "Summer Opportunities in the Major" colloquium.
The colloquium, directed by Westminster mathematics professor Dr. Barbara Faires, was an opportunity for students to learn more about professionally-related summer experiences in business, industry, research, and teaching.
Stefanie Cumberledge, a junior physics major, participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Michigan. Her work included researching the liquid drop model of a nucleus by colliding liquid drops and studying the aftereffects of the collision.
Cumberledge is a daughter of Robert and E. Jane Cumberledge of Evans City and a graduate of Butler Area High School.
Lauren Graeser, a junior mathematics major, was a participant in the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship Program at the National Energy Technology Laboratory. She helped organize and analyze data gathered in the lab, and helped prepare for a new experiment. Fellowship requirements included a written lab report and presentation of her project to fellow interns and Department of Energy representatives at a conference in Chicago.
Graeser is a daughter of Ralph and Jan Graeser of Jefferson Hills and a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School.
Peter Lukich, a senior computer information systems major, served an internship at Lucas Systems Inc. in Wexford, working on "bug fixes" and upgrades to existing programs on clients' computers. Lucas Systems creates custom software normally used in large warehouses.
Lukich is a son of Donna Lukich of Washington and Harry Lukich of Meadowlands. He is a graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School.
Kaitlyn "Kati" McConville, a junior mathematics major, participated in a pre-REU program on signal and image analysis at Texas A&M University. She took courses and worked with four other students on an algorithm to simulate the process a Postal Service optical character reader uses to read the address on an envelope. The group gave a presentation on their project at a conference at the university.
McConville is a daughter of Keith McConville of Wexford and a graduate of North Allegheny High School.
Dr. Pamela Richardson, Westminster assistant professor of mathematics, served as a mentor to female undergraduate mathematics majors in the Carleton College summer math program. The four-week program enabled participants to take courses from female professors, hear colloquium talks, learn about careers, graduate schools and research opportunities, and make contact with future mentors. Richardson originally attended the program as an undergraduate student.
Contact Faires at (724) 946-7293 or e-mail faires@westminster.edu for more information.
