REU People

• REU Team

  • 	Alicia Boudreaux LA-SiGMA Outreach/Assessment Coordinator at LA Tech P.O. Box 10348 College of Engineering & Science Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA 71272 Phone: (318) 257-2603 aliciab@latech.edu
    Alicia Boudreaux received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 2004, and the M.S. in Educational Administration from Baylor University in 2006. She currently serves as the LA-SiGMA Outreach and Assessment Coordinator for North Louisiana.
    	Bety Rodriguez-Milla LONI Institute Scientific Coordinator Center for Computation & Technology Louisiana State University brodrig AT cct.lsu.edu http://institute.loni.org/
    Dr. Bety Rodriguez-Milla is the Scientific Coordinator of the LONI Institute. She earned her Ph.D. from Syracuse University in Physics. Dr. Rodriguez's research interests are in computational physics and condensed matter physics. More specifically, dynamics and statistical mechanics of disordered systems. At the LONI Institute (LI) her primary role is that of the LI Manager. She is also involved with education, outreach and training at the CCT and LONI Institute.
    	Leigh Townsend LA-SiGMA Outreach Coordinator at LSU 232 Choppin Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803 lgalat1 AT lsu DOT edu Phone: (225) 578-5381 Fax: (225) 578-3458, Attn. Leigh Townsend
    Leigh serves as Outreach Coordinator for the LA-SiGMA project. Her main duties include planning events and coordinating activities related to External Engagement, Workforce Development, and Diversity. She earned her Master's Degree in Public Administration from LSU.
    	Kathy Traxler CCT REU Coordinator Education, Outreach and Traiing Center for Computation & Technology Louisiana State University +1 225 578 8932 ktraxler AT cct.lsu.edu http://www.cct.lsu.edu/staff
    Kathy Traxler is the Education, Outreach and Training Coordinator for CCT. She earned her Masters degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and taught in the LSU Computer Science department for 10 years before joining CCT. At CCT her primary role is helping faculty develop and implement education and outreach programs benefiting the CCT, LSU, and Louisiana communities.

• Students

  • Summer 2011

    • Louisiana State University

      	Noah Davis Mentor: Dr. John DiTusa
      My name is Noah Davis, and I am from Abita Springs, Louisiana. I like the outdoors, video games, sports, chess, and comedy among other things. I also have a pet rat. I recently finished my third year at LSU double majoring in Physics and Chemistry. I want to study these subjects so that I can understand the world around me. I see interesting things happen every day. When I see a television showing the news or a crane working on a new building, I can’t help but think of why these things work the way they do. I recently got married and live just off campus with my wife. She is also an LSU student.
      	Kameron Kilchrist Mentor: Dr. Les Butler
      My name is Kameron Kilchrist and I am a rising junior in Biological Engineering at Louisiana State University and I plan to graduate in May 2013. I am from Lafayette, LA and attended Lafayette High school. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph. D. with research relating to tissue engineering. During the regular school year, I work with Dr. Daniel Hayes in the biological engineering department on osteogenic constructs for tissue engineering applications. I have broad interests in tissue engineering, electronics, and visualization techniques. This summer I am working with Dr. Les Butler on calculating surface normal vectors to mathematical reconstructions of particles imaged in 3D with computed tomography (CT) techniques and using these normals to predict a various properties about the particles with respect to time.
      	Igor Kolesnichenko Mentor: Dr. Randall Hall
      I'm Igor and a senior at LSU. I am a Chemistry major and I became interested in it because my parents are both chemists, so I was always in their labs watching/doing experiments. I was a gymnast all of my life, so I love to be active and do a lot of sports. I also played piano for 10 years and now play guitar.
      	Shane Lindemann Mentor: Dr. Dorel Moldovan
      My name is Shane. I am going to be a sophomore at LSU this upcoming fall. My major is Physics, and I became interested in physics in high school when I took a basic physics class my junior year. My hobbies mostly include playing sports, namely basketball, soccer, and golf, but I love playing all sports every once in a while.
      Hannah Manuel Mentor: Dr. Ward Plummer
      	Jeff Parrozzo Mentor: Dr. Randall Hall
      My name is Jeff Parrozzo and I recently graduated from the Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts in Natchitoches. This fall I will be a freshman at LSU majoring in Physics. The last research project I was involved in was my senior thesis at the Louisiana School which focused on the analysis of eclipsing binary stars. Although my interests lie primarily in astronomy and astrophysics, I am always looking to broaden my horizons and explore new areas of science. One of my favorite hobbies is antique restoration from pre-WWI rifles to vintage cars. The last two projects I worked on were restoring a Fusil Gas Mle 1874 and a 1974 Harley Davidson Sportster. I am also interested in military history and, of course, my academics.
      	Cade Thomasson Mentor: Dr. Randall Hall
      My name is Cade, I will be a freshman at LSU in the fall 2011 semester. I'm a Biological Sciences major but I'm likely to switch over to Computer Sciences. I've always had an interest in biology and computer science, with computer science becoming more prevalent recently. I enjoy programming, cooking, and fishing.
      	Bradley Wood Mentor: Dr. Les Butler
      My name is Bradley Wood, and I am currently an MA student in Philosophy. During the Summer 2011 REU, I worked with Dr. Les Butler on hydrogen absorption in metals by utilizing 3D visualization techniques. For the past three years I have been working on problems in organismal morphology and the evolution of complex biological systems. Prior to my research in biology, I did research in particle physics. My main academic interests are in the methodological practice and theoretical foundation of scientific inquiry. I intend to complete a PhD in either biological science or philosophy of science and to continue my scientific pursuits in order to answer my philosophical questions."

      Louisiana Tech University
      
      

      	John Bordelon Mentor: Dr. Weizhong Dai
      My name is John Bordelon. I am going to be senior in Electrical Engineering this fall at LSU. My hobbies are video games, chess, and playing drums.
      	Gustavo Gutierrez Mentor: Dr. Collin Wick
      My name is Gustavo Gutierrez, and I am presently a Junior at Louisiana Tech University. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Nanosystems Engineering and eventually hope to become an MD-PhD in the area of Biomedical Engineering. My hobbies include making programs for the parallax boe-bot, video gaming, swimming, paintball, karate, watching anime, and studying various forms of art. My goal is to become a qualified health professional so that I may help others through the development of advanced biological systems and/or artificial structures to improve the human condition.
      	Joshua Slocum Mentor: Dr. Ramu Ramachandran
      Hello, my name is Josh. I am a senior Chemistry major at LouisianaTech. The areas of chemistry that interest me most are physical chemistry and quantum chemistry. I also like to run; I am on the cross-country and track teams at Louisiana Tech.
      	Matthew Wespetal Mentor: Dr. Daniela Mainardi
      I'm Matthew, a sophomore at Grove City College, near Pittsburgh, PA. I am majoring in Physics with an eye on earning a doctorate later and doing academic research. The focus on science has not cured me of my love of the arts or of my preoccupation with philosophy, so in my spare time I mostly read, think, or simply enjoy life. I speak Russian as a second language and have spent most of my life in the part of the world that speaks it. God bless!

    • Southern University

      	Zephra Bell Mentor: Dr. G.L. Zhao
      My name is Zephra Bell and I am from Asheville, North Carolina. I am majoring in Physics at Southern University and A & M College. I will be graduating in December. It is my goal to be enrolled in a Bridge to the Doctorate program for the fall of 2012 to earn my Ph.D. in either materials science or medical physics. I have had numerous internships. Three of them were out of state and included programs such as the Faculty and Student Teams (FAST) program under the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of South Florida’s Physics REU. I am currently a participant in the LA-SIGMA REU in which I hope to learn more about nanomaterials. I am also a proud mother to a 3yr old son who survived three heart surgeries at two weeks old.
      	Paige Northern Mentor: Dr. Shizhong Yang
      I am Paige, I am a Junior at Southern University and A&M College. My major is Biology and I became interested in it due to my love for science and my passion to become an Emergency Room Physician. My hobbies are: singing, dancing, modeling, spending time with family and friends, and playing sports.
      	David Scott Mentor: Dr. Lawrence Henry
      My name is David, I am a rising Senior at Norfolk State University. I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering and at least a minor in Mathematics. I became interested in engineering because I believed it best suited my style of learning. In my spare time I enjoy playing/watching various sports.
      	G'Nita Wright Mentor: Dr. Amitava Jana
      I am G'Nita. I am a sophomore at Southern University A & M College. My major is Chemistry. I became interested in chemistry after having a wonderful teacher that challenged me to learn more about how elements work in our natural lives. It has fostered throughout my matriculation participating in the Summer Bridge Institute and being a part of the LS-Lamp programs. My hobbies include reading, writing, and traveling.

    • Tulane University

      	John Coody Mentor: Dr. Zhiqiang Mao
      Hi, my name is John, I'm a sophomore at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA. I'm majoring in Physics and English due to a deep interest in various perspectives of nature and human culture. I enjoy playing musical instruments such as the electric bass and electric guitar, reading philosophy, playing table tennis and other sports, and experimenting with and implementing a variety of incendiary devices for the furthering of science, or self-preservation in remote locations.
      	Christina Oerter Mentor: Dr. Hank Ashbaugh
      Hello my name is Christina and I am a junior at CU Boulder. My major is Environmental Engineering and I became interested in it because I wanted a major that combined my love of animals and the environment with my love of math. I always say I am going to save the polar bears through Calculus. My hobbies are reading, singing, painting, listening to music, and telling bad jokes.
      Joshua Riggs Mentor: Dr. Lawrence Pratt
      Hello, I am Joshua. I am will be a junior at Louisiana Tech University in the Fall. I am majoring in Physics, and I picked it because I wanted to learn how atoms interact. My hobbies are hanging out with friends, playing basketball, reading, and participating at the Wesley Foundation on campus.
      	Michael Soforenko Mentor: Dr. Noshir Pesika
      My name is Michael, and I am a rising Senior at Tulane University. Originally from Baltimore, I am pursuing a double major in Chemical Engineering and Physics with a minor in Business Administration. My hobbies are playing tennis, longboarding, and bhangra dancing. After college, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in Materials Engineering.

    • University of New Orleans

      	Jacob Faucheaux Mentor: Dr. Gabriel Caruntu
      I am Jacob. I am a senior at Louisiana Tech University. I'm a Chemistry major. My hobbies are playing basketball, tennis, and running.
      	Tshering Gurung Mentor: Dr. Leonard Spinu
      I am Tshering. I am a senior at the University of New Orleans. My major is Civil Engineering. I am interested in design and construction of huge complicated structures. My hobbies are playing basketball, listening to music, and photography. This REU has provided a research opportunity for me to learn more about material science. The staff members are friendly and helpful. I am glad I joined the program this summer.
      	Kristofer Knittle Mentor: Dr. Leszek Malkinski
      Kristofer, an Electrical Engineering major at Penn State University, considers himself to be a cultured world traveler who has a passion for experiencing new foods and cultures. Outside of the academic world, Kristofer spends time in fitness, with friends and at sporting events. Before graduation he will have taken the Fundamentals Exam (FE), the first of two exams to become professionally certified in engineering.
      	Raphael Mariano Mentor: Dr. Steve Rick
      Hello, my name is Raphael. I am a senior at the University of New Orleans. I am currently majoring in all of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. I am particularly interested in the overlap of the fields of Physics and Chemistry. I find remarkable how things can both mesh and clash at such a minute level. I spend most of my time studying and tutoring. I am also active in school organizations, serving as a UNO Krewe Leader and a member of the Leadership Cabinet. I am currently the Vice President of the UNO Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship; and Secretary of the UNO Genshiken Anime Club. What little leisure time I have left is spent as a “geek-of-all-trades” by watching television, playing video games, reading comic books, catching up on Japanese anime, writing stories and poems, learning songs from various musicals, and spending time with friends.
      	Emily Taylor Mentor: Dr. David Mobley
      My name is Emily, and I am a junior at Manhattan College in New York City. I am a Chemical Engineering major. I chose to study this because it incorporates the classes that I enjoyed most in high school, chemistry and math, and uses them for real life applications. Also, the versatility one can have with a chemical engineering degree in the job market makes it a great major to have. Some hobbies of mine include going to the beach all summer long, traveling with friends and family, and driving aimlessly.

    • Xavier University

      	Tiara Adejare Mentor: Dr. Cheryl Stevens
      My name is Tiara; I am a sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana. My major is Chemistry Pre- Pharmacy and I want to become a pharmacist because of the opportunity to have a personal connection with my future clients and the wide variety of opportunities that the major holds. My hobbies include shopping and trying different types of foods.
      	Mila'na Jones Mentor: Dr. Lamar Meda
      I am Mila'na. I was born and raised in Mansfield, LA. I attended high school at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) in Natchitoches, LA. I am now a sophomore at Xavier University in New Orleans where I am an (ACS Certified) Chemistry major. I became interested in chemistry when I took organic and polymer chemistry courses at LSMSA. I enjoy materials science research in particular because I want my work to be beneficial to our society and I know that my contributions, no matter how small, may help mankind in some way. My hobbies include performing research, reading, tutoring, doing volunteer work/community service, playing sports, watching television, and spending time with my friends and family.
      	Shamarri Riddle Mentor: Dr. Lamar Meda
      Hello, I am Shamarri Riddle and I am a sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana. My major is Biochemistry and I became interested in this program due to my interest in researching. My hobbies include running track, reading, and listening to music.
      	Christian White Mentor: Dr. Lamar Meda
      Hello, I am Christian; I am a junior at Xavier University of Louisiana. My major is Chemistry (A.C.S) and I became interested in it due to my passion for chemical synthesis. My hobbies are research, fishing, and riding 4 wheelers.
      	Xylona Williams Mentor: Dr. Lamar Meda
      My name is Xylona though most people find it much easier to call me Z. I am a sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana. My major is Chemistry ACS and I also have a minor in Math. I became interested in chemistry when I began dealing with chemicals in high school, and I then became more interested in it once I heard about the PREM (Partners for Research and Education in Materials) program, which allows me to be hands on doing research in the lab using all sorts of different chemicals. My hobbies are dancing, modeling, and nurturing others, although, I do like to squeeze in a little bit of shopping every now and then.

LA-SiGMA Site Menu:

LI Site Menu:

"Louisiana has made great investments in IT through its Vision 2020 initiative and through the creation of LONI. Now that we have the resources in place, we need to develop research projects and find the staff who can use the advanced technology in Louisiana to further academics and create more opportunities for business and industry so we can fully capitalize on these investments."
-- Former CCT Director Ed Seidel