STEM Showcase

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Every year the STEM showcase allows students to present their research to the community and area high school students. On Saturday, April 25, 2020, students flooded Moser Hall with 61 projects that they’ve been working on all semester. Projects included the Baja Car, the Concrete Canoe and the Chem E-Car.

For the second year in a row, the STEM College gave out two scholarships to incoming freshmen.

Along with seeing all of the student’s projects, the community was invited to take tours of the X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy labs. After all tours were complete and toward the end of the day, Dean Sturrus and President Tressel gave remarks and inducted new members into the STEM Leadership Society.

As usual, all of the projects were fantastic, and YSU STEM is proud of the work our students have accomplished.

Some standout projects included a personal bartending robot and a football helmet that detects and analyzes concussions.

The personal bartending robot, called JuiceBox, was created by students, Jordan Brown, Corey Dunbar and Nick Getsy. Along with the robot, they coded an Android app to run the Arduino. The focus of this robot is to promote drinking at home, rather than at a bar where driving home would be required. JuiceBox is made from an Arduino Mega microcontroller, a Bluetooth adapter, a stepper motor, a linear actuator and solenoid valves.

Another project that stood out was the Smart Helmet. The Smart Helmet was created by students Fahad Alotaibi, Chad Piccirilli and Paul Weidle. A sensor chip in the helmet would relay data back to a monitor on the sidelines of a field in order to allow coaches to detect potential hazards immediately. While this technology is already being used in the professional league and colleges, the students designed this helmet to be cost effective and reliable for high school use.

YSU STEM couldn’t be prouder of all our students and all of the work they have done this semester!

The First STEM Honors Convocation

 

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YSU STEM would like to congratulate all recipients of awards at the first STEM Honors Convocation! Awardees received recognition for their outstanding achievements on April 27 at 7 p.m. in the DeBartolo Stadium Club in Stambaugh Stadium. Below is a list of awards and their recipients.

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

QUEST - Best Undergraduate Project ($1000 funded by YSU Foundation)

Unmanned Aerial Systems: Theory and Applications

James Carter

Lucas Ciprian

Stephen Koulianos

Garrett McIntyre

Cory Thomas

Elucidation and Characterization of Commercially Produced CMA Road Deicer

Samuel Dickson

Paije Kiraly

Matthew LaLama

Jennifer Miller

Darian Wilson

 

QUEST - College Award- STEM ($200)

Properties and Applications of Shape Memory Polymer Using 3D Printing

Antonio DiSalvo

Kelly Kovacevich

Daniel Martin

Samuel Cappelli

Morphological Support Effects in Metal-Ce)2 Catalysts for CO Oxidation

Samantha Mock

Thomas Stoner

 

Youngstown State University Women’s Club Scholarship

Awarded to promising women students in recognition of high academic achievement

Anna Dunn

 

Clarence P. Gould Honor Society

Membership awarded to students on the basis of academic achievement and the breadth of academic courses

Camron Bagheri

Michael Baker

Shawn Doyle

Joseph Gantz

Michelle Kordupel

Alana Lesnansky

Katherine Pitcairn

Elizabeth Rogenski

James Tancabel

 

Shorty and Elba Navarro Scholarships

Awarded to students of Hispanic descent who reside in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Lawrence, or Mercer Counties

Joseph Caraballo

Amalio Esparra

Monica Esparra

Jose Miranda

Frank Perez

Alexandria Rodemoyer

 

Academic YSU – OEA Union Heritage Scholarship

Awarded to a student demonstrating individual or family involvement in organized labor movement

Megan Healy

 

Stavich Educational Scholarships

Awarded to selected Campbell Memorial High School graduates

who are also children of former Calex employees

Sydney Livermore

Kristina Minniti

    

Theodore P. and Evelyn H. Chengelis Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student of Hellenic heritage who will matriculate to medical school

John Tomich

 

Danielle M. Hodge Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to graduates from high schools throughout the tri-county area

Alexander Huber

 

Eddie Conricote Memorial Scholarships

Awarded to a resident and graduate of Liberty High School who is a child or grandchild of a Liberty Firefighter

Jeremy Borton

Sabrina Sims

 

Michael Soroka Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a Campbell Memorial High School graduate who is an incoming first year student with academic promise

Joseph Lebenich

 

Michael T. Hartzell Memorial Scholarships

Awarded to an Austintown Fitch graduate or child of Youngstown City Police officer and children of officers serving the tri-county area from the police or sheriff’s departments, or a YSU student enrolled in the police academy

Taylor Minenok

Johnny Naples

 

Alumni Society Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to current students or incoming freshmen whose parent or guardian is a YSU graduate and a current member of the YSU Alumni Society

Rachel Briach

 

Woodrow Wilson Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to Woodrow Wilson High School graduates or descendants pursing an undergraduate degree

Taylor Minenok

 

Martha K. Schuster Memorial Scholarships

Awarded in recognition of academic achievement in memory of a former YSU employee and Women’s Club president

Johnny Naples

 

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

Outstanding Student in Mathematics and Statistics Award

Awarded for outstanding academic achievement in the study of Mathematics and Statistics

Megan Chambers

Timothy Shaffer

Kristi Yazvac

 

Outstanding Student in Statistics Award

Awarded for outstanding academic performance in Statistics

James Munyon

 

B.J. Yozwiak Mathematics Award

Awarded to a senior majoring in Mathematics who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance

Eric Shehadi

 

ms consultants Award in Civil Engineering Technology

Awarded to an outstanding student who works full time while completing the BSAS in CCET on a part-time basis

Christian Conzett

 

Dr. William A. Wood Memorial Scholarship in Engineering Technology

Awarded to an outstanding junior or senior undergraduate in Engineering Technology with a 3.0 or higher GPA

Shane Singer

 

Myron C. Wick, Jr. Scholarships in the Physical Sciences

Awarded to junior or senior students who have shown academic excellence in the physical sciences

Michael Baker

Jennifer Miller

 

Myron C. Wick, Jr. Scholarship in Engineering

Awarded to a junior or senior student who has shown academic excellence in engineering

Donald Dixon

 

Fireline, Inc. Scholarships

Awarded to students majoring in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Chemistry or Physics who have an interest in Materials Science with a minimum 3.0 GPA and resident of the five-county area

Dakesha Jordan

Eric Schubert

 

Michael A. Rigo Memorial Scholarships

Awarded to an outstanding Mechanical Engineering student residing in Mahoning County

Jessie Abeid

Jason Doll

 

Ohio Space Grant Consortium Scholarships

Awarded to junior and senior students for academic excellence in an Aerospace-related discipline

Ashley Bowers

Michael Radetic

 

Ronald J. Hepp Memorial Award

Awarded to an outstanding senior in Electrical Engineering

Corey Dunbar

 

Ronald G. Tabak Memorial Physics and Astronomy Award              

Awarded to a junior or senior Physics and Astronomy major who has demonstrated passion for teaching and involvement in the “life” of the Physics Department

Michael Baker

 

John and Lina Moteff Scholarships

Awarded for demonstration of academic promise in the study of Physics, Astronomy or related sciences

Andrew Bock

Michael DeLuca

Samuel Powers

Martin Strong

 

Dr. Ronald A. Parise Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an outstanding Physics or Astronomy student

Christopher Leach

 

Albert A. Guerrieri, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an outstanding student who has demonstrated academic achievement and commitment to the study of Physics

Nicholas McGuigan

 

Frank M. Clark Physics Award

Awarded to an exceptional student in Physics

Elizabeth Rogenski

 

Anthony, Elizabeth, and Dr. Janet DelBene Scholarships in Physical Chemistry

Awarded to an outstanding junior chemistry major

Abigal Ansah

 

American Chemical Society Student Affiliates Award

Awarded to a Chemistry senior who has made a significant contribution to the ACS Student Affiliates Association

Phillip Boran

 

Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry

Awarded for outstanding academic achievement and aptitude in Analytical Chemistry

Victoria Boulos

 

Dr. Ralph E. Yingst Scholarship in Chemistry

Awarded to an upper-division Chemistry major for academic excellence

Victoria Boulos

James Gasior

 

Dr. Eugene D. Scudder Physical Chemistry Award

Awarded for outstanding performance in Physical Chemistry

James Gasior

 

American Chemical Society Inorganic Division

Awarded for excellence in Inorganic Chemistry at the undergraduate level with aspiration of a career in Chemistry

Matthew LaLama

 

American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry

Awarded to an Organic Chemistry student who displays a significant aptitude for Organic Chemistry

Jennifer Miller

 

American Chemical Society Award – Penn-Ohio Section

Awarded to an outstanding junior Chemistry major

Jennifer Miller

 

Dr. Irwin Cohen Scholarship for Undergraduate Research in Chemistry

Awarded for excellence in undergraduate research in Chemistry

Samantha Mock

 

Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Society

Awarded to a senior Chemistry major for academic achievement in the Chemistry field

Jennifer Moore

 

Hypercube Scholars Award

Awarded to a graduating Chemistry student who has conducted research and is enrolling in graduate school

Jennifer Moore

 

Ohio Chapter of the American Institute of Chemists Award

Awarded to an outstanding senior or graduate student in Chemical Engineering

Amanda Sacco

 

Dr. Eugene D. Scudder Organic Chemistry Award

Awarded to honor outstanding performance in Organic Chemistry

Cassandra Shaffer

 

CRC Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award

Awarded for achievement in the study of Chemistry as a freshman

Tayah Turocy

 

Ikram Khawaja Outstanding Geology/Environmental Studies Student Awards

Awarded for scholastic excellence in Environmental Science from a student with intent to pursue a graduate degree

James Frost

Ralph Roth

 

Everette C. “Bud” Abram Geology Scholarships

Awarded for academic achievement in Geology

Lindsey Smith

Ralph Roth

 

Ann Harris Field Camp Scholarships

Awarded to noteworthy Geology majors

Lindsey Smith

Ralph Roth

 

Field Investigations in Geology Scholarships

Awarded to an exemplary student in the Field Investigations in Geology course

Ralph Roth

 

Pittsburgh AIChE Professional Promise Award

Awarded to an outstanding senior in chemical engineering

Jason White

 

GRADUATE AWARDS

QUEST - Best Graduate Project ($500 funded by YSU Foundation)

Collins Aboagye

 

QUEST - College Award- Graduate Studies ($200)

Michael Bellas

Joseph Mihaly

 

Outstanding Graduate Student Awards in Mathematics and Statistics

For outstanding academic performance in Mathematics and Statistics

Obeng Addai

Joseph Cochran

 

Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Mathematics Education

Awarded to a graduate student demonstrating impressive academic performance in Mathematics

Julie Seitz

 

Dr. Eugene D. Scudder Graduate Student Teaching Awards

Awarded for excellence in teaching undergraduate laboratories

Heather Folkwein

DaVena Zivkovic

 

Dr. James A. Reeder Graduate Scholarship Award

Awarded to graduate students working toward an advanced degree in Chemistry

Jordan Zaluski

 

Charles Singler Environmental Science Scholarship

Awarded for scholastic excellence demonstrated by a graduate student

Stefanie Hudzik

Erin O’Connor

Claret Tening Ndifet 

 

Anthony, Elizabeth, and Dr. Janet DelBene Scholarships in Physical Chemistry

Awarded to an outstanding Chemistry major who has been accepted into the YSU Graduate Program in Chemistry

Victoria Boulos

 

Ikram Khawaja Outstanding Geology/Environmental Studies Student Awards

Awarded to graduate students for academic excellence

Stefanie Hudzik

Erin O’Connor

 

Par for the Course: The Engineer Experience

Last month, if you walked through the lobby of Moser Hall, you would have noticed the mini-golf courses that lined the middle of the room. These projects were part of the freshman-engineering course that all engineering majors have to go through. This year, YSU STEM followed one of the groups throughout their project.

The group of engineers we followed, Team 44, developed a course that included an elevated obstacle, as well as a diversion. The project’s theme was “The Rocky Road,” and ice cream cones lined the course, causing a sweet distraction to all around. Continue reading

Rolling down the halls with First-Year Engineering!

Each year the STEM College does something to improve the education of its students. For the last two years the first-year engineers have been working on different project throughout the semesters.

Their first project is the Edible Car Competition, where the students go through the process of building cars out of all edible materials, like rice cakes and baguettes. From conception to execution, the students work in groups to learn the basic principles of engineering and communication skills. The skills they learn are the building blocks of their future education. Continue reading

Student Spotlight: Eric Shehadi

Second from right, Eric Shehadi

Second from right, Eric Shehadi

Many STEM students are busy with school, social lives, and part-time jobs. Eric Shehadi, a junior mathematics student, is one of those students. While he does more than just his school work and hang out with friends, Eric finds time in his busy schedule to help with various clubs and organizations.

Community involvement is one of the most important aspects of Eric’s education. He is often found coordinating volunteer events for various organizations he participates in; for example, he brought a crew of Continue reading

STEM Leadership Society Picnic!

by Massey Fowler

As has become STEM Leadership Society tradition, the fall semester was kicked off with a picnic at the Thomas Masters Pavilion in Boardman Park. New members had the opportunity to meet their fellow classmates, as well as returning members and a handful of faculty too. Great food and fun were had by all: barbeque courtesy of Barry Dyngles, and the fun group effort from all of those who brought games like cornhole, volleyball, and kickball. It was a great turnout this year, with around 50+ students attending. Really this event is all about getting to know each other and getting a slightly better idea of what SLS is. The fall calendar was discussed and plans for a wide-range of events were mentioned, including: seminars about undergraduate research, international studies, and preparing/applying for graduate schools; service projects with the YNDC and Habitat for Humanity; volunteer opportunities with the STEM College and OhWow!; a tour of NAMII; etc.

SLS handed out t-shirt order forms for members, took a survey of meeting times to best accommodate our members, did simple ice breakers, introduced themselves, and did a quick team-building exercise with straws/paperclips/tape to see who can build the tallest, stable tower.

To be a part of this tradition next year, consider applying with the group in the spring. The application and interviewing process can be viewed here. Make sure to check SLS out on Facebook to see all the pictures from the tower contest!

Internships: The Experience You Need

Each semester, students from the STEM College go out into the community, the nation, and the world to get the experience they need in their areas of study. This summer, over 100 students from YSU STEM registered for various internships and co-ops.

An internship is an elective that is worth one to four credits. The time on-site is about half time. A co-op is a full-time position within a company and the student still is considered a full-time student. Both internships and co-ops are academically advanced and give the student the real world experience they will need in the future job market.

There are many benefits of participating in an internship or a co-op. A student can meet new people and use the experience as a networking tool. Internships and co-ops are also a good way to get used to the day-to-day experiences of working in a full-time position. Continue reading

Congrats MathFest Participants!

mathfest 2013Congratulations to the 2013 MathFest partcipants! Eleven YSU undergraduate students from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics met with other students from around the nation to give oral presentations on mathematics and statistics principles in Hartford, Connecticut, July 31st through August 3rd. The students are exposed to different mathematics principles that occur throughout society and are encouraged to interact with students and faculty from other universities. Though no other school has ever won more than three awards at any MathFest, the YSU team won an astounding six awards, beating their 2005 and 2006 record of five awards!

Those students who were awarded for their excellence in student exposition and research are:

Cameron Bagheri- Applications of Linear Algebra to the Fibonacci Sequence
Michael Baker- A Study of Optical Gain in Three-Component Multilayered Films
Kim Do- Introduction to Combinatorial Game Theory and What Lies Underneath
Ashley Orr- Fourier and Wavelet Analysis: Extracting the Business Cycle
Sarah Ritchey- Residue Number System Algorithms for Signed Numbers
Eric Shehadi- Prioritizing Vacant Residential Properties for Demolition in Youngstown, Ohio

Other students who attended MathFest 2013 were Daniel Catello, Shawn Doyle, James Munyon, Blain Patterson, and Matthew Pierson. Continue reading

Concrete Canoe Comes Home!

Concrete Canoe at NationalsThis year’s YSU Concrete Canoe team has come back from the June 20-22 Nationals Competition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus with an 11th place victory and an experience that will last a lifetime.

“I am very proud of the canoe and my team, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Going to nationals was an honor we hope to achieve again,” Team Captain Taylor Simcox said. They also plan on making it to Nationals again next year.

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STEM Explore: Future STEMians Making New Discoveries

YSU STEM and Beeghly College of Education hosted its second annual STEM Explore Summer Program for middle school students from the Youngstown area. Since the event had been so successful the last year, the STEM Explore Coordinators, Dr. Katie Cripe, Professor Robert Korenic, and Dr. Sherri Lovelace-Cameron decided that there would be two sessions, the first running June 17th-21st and second June 24th-28th.

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YSU Builds Bridges from High School Math to College Calculus

The YSU Summer Bridge Program, part of the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program, is a chance for students in high school that are interested in a STEM career, but need a little bit of help bridging the gap between high school math and the YSU COMPASS test. The COFSP, in collaboration our partnering high schools from the Youngstown-Warren Metro area hosted the COFSP Algebra II-to-PreCalc/Calc Bridge Program June 10th-July 3rd. The program is free to the students and is funded by a grant from the state of Ohio.

Choose Ohio First targets high school students from Youngstown Early College, Chaney, East, Boardman, McDonald, Niles, Warren Harding, Austintown Fitch, Struthers, Lowellville, Girard, Hubbard, and Liberty who are interested in pursuing further education in the areas of STEM, have completed at least Algebra II (primarily sophomores and juniors) and have been identified by teachers as showing promise but needing additional math preparation. The goal of the Bridge Program is for the students that participate to be calculus ready when they get to YSU.

There is also a scholarship available to students who complete the Bridge Program. They must also place into the necessary math course required for their chosen STEM major and attend YSU. The students who meet these criteria are first priority in receiving a Choose Ohio First Scholarship. Choose Ohio First Scholarship benefits include free pre-calculus or calculus course the summer after senior year, $1,500-$5,200 of need-based aid, participation in COFSP meetings and research Project Teams, mentoring activities, and more. This summer, the Choose Ohio First Bridge Program had a total of 12 students complete the program.

If you are interested in the Choose Ohio First Bridge Program for next year, please see the brochure for more information and requirements, as spots are limited.

The Summer Manufacturing Institute!

Summer Manufacturing Institute

Join us for the Summer Manufacturing Institute, July 22-26, 2013

It is never too early to start planning your Career!

Participants will enjoy a fun, interactive summer experience. They will be introduced to career opportunities in the manufacturing industry.

Daily schedule to include:

 Team Building

 Debrief/Journaling

 Daily field trips to include visits to the Museum of Labor & Industry, YBI, NAMII, AST2, VEC, Brilex and more….

 Exploration and Design Challenges at OH WOW!

 Breakfast & Lunch Included

 Final showcase of the week’s design projects at an open house event for family and friends

Requirements to enroll in the Program:

 Participants must be entering 4th to 6th Grades

 A $15 enrollment fee will apply for all participants

 Participants must attend all 5 days of the Camp

Registration Closes: July 15, 2020

For more information or to register contact Jennie Andrews at 330-746-6361.

This is a collaborative project between Mahoning Valley Manufacturer’s Coalition, OH WOW!, Senator Sherrod Brown’s Office, Youngstown City Schools and the YWCA of Youngstown

STEM Explore Summer Program

stem-explore-pix-21YSU STEM will be holding their second annual STEM Explore Summer Program for middle school students from around the Youngstown area. Last year’s program was so successful for YSU STEM and for the students who attended that, this year, they have expanded the program to two one-week sessions. Each session, the first running June 17-21 and second June 24-28 from 9am to 3pm, has twenty-five students ready to explore what STEM programs have to offer. Students will meet at the Beeghly College of Education in the morning, where they will be taken to various places throughout YSU and the Youngstown area. Continue reading

Concrete Canoe Team moves on to Nationals!

"Tesla" Team

YSU students Taylor Simcox, Bobby Hrusovsky, Alex Lincoln, Joe Reedy, Teresa McKinney, Mike Kaldy, and Samantha Rovnak have their eyes set on first place at this year’s National Concrete Canoe Competition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne. After winning first place in the Ohio Valley Student Conference, the team will be heading to the competition for their third National appearance in June.

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YSU STEM celebrates its first Sonia Kovalevsky Day

On Thursday, April 11th, 2013 Youngstown State University College of STEM held its first ever Sonia Kovalevsky Day. While this is the first time for YSU STEM, Sonia Kovalevsky events are held around the country to introduce the wonderful world of math to young women.

“Mathematics is a discipline where historically women have been a minority. These events where founded to promote mathematics among women, and to let them know that math is way beyond what they learn in high school and all different things they can do with a math degree,” says Dr. Alicia Prieto Langarica, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics.

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