News
Professor Receives National Science Foundation Grant
Dr. Nathaniel Tagg, assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy, received the a $113,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for his project, "RUI: Neutrino Experiments with the NuMI Beam." Dr. Tagg and two undergraduate student researchers will study neutrino interactions and oscillations withthe NuMI beam at Fermilab, Illinois, using th eMINOS and MINERVA experiments. These experiments are large collaborations of over 100 scientists devoted to the study of fundamental particle properties.
Junior physics major Justin Young of Wooster, Ohio, has been awarded a 2009 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awarded 278 scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year to undergraduate sophomores and junior from across the United States.
Young has been conducting research with Dr. Brian Sell, assistant professor of physics, on the emergent properties of different sodium cobalt oxides. By employing computer modeling and synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Young is attempting to elucidate details of the electronic structure of these compounds.
"Justin's accomplishments in physics, mathematics, and music readily identify him as one of our top students at Otterbein," said John Tansey, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. "Justin has the proper combination of work ethic, gifted intellect, natural curiosity and ambition to become a great scientist."
Department Newsletter
Science for the 21st Century
Otterbein College recently received a renewable grant of $60,000 from the Merck Institute for Science Education to fund a new program for science students called Student Scholars for the 21st Century.
The grant will fund four undergraduate research experiences annually, as well as ancillary programs designed to engage all summer research students in an enriched experience and expose them to possible career paths.
Faculty Receive Grant Award
Joan Esson, Chemistry, and Brian Sell, Physics and Astronomy, were awarded $482,992 from the National Science Foundation to support scholarships and enhance programming for Otterbein students.
In their proposal, Esson and Sell wrote: "Our objective is to provide a significant scholarship and exceptional academic and co-curricular experience to at least 30 students who are planning on majoring in chemistry, biochemistry or physics. Together with the Office of Admissions, academically talented students demonstrating financial need will be aggressively recruited from Ohio schools with high percentages of women and minorities and/or an emphasis on STEM education.
After selecting the students based on academic performance and an essay about career goals, they will participate in an active learning community with activities including a week-long summer immersion experience, programming at the Center for Career Planning, residence in a living/learning house, a year-long seminar program focusing on career options, and mentoring through a triad consisting of the scholar, an upper-level student, and alum."
Nationwide Foundation Awards $700,000 To Otterbein College
The Nationwide Foundation recently awarded a gift of $700,000 to Otterbein College for funding a classroom/laboratory suite within the new science center that will serve both the College and the Central Ohio community. The gift will be paid out over a three year period beginning in April 2008. Click here to read more.
