WKU News

Five Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science students and two Gatton alumni were among Western Kentucky University’s delegation of students selected to present at Posters at the Capitol in Frankfort. The annual event hosts student researchers from Kentucky’s public universities to share their scientific and creative projects with the Commonwealth’s stakeholders and guests.

The event included a “Lightning Talks” program highlighting one project from each university. Gatton Academy and Rockcastle County High School senior Landon Carlton was selected to represent WKU. Carlton’s research, “Exploring the Contributions of V-type ATPase to Drosphila melanogaster Wing Development,” is done under the mentorship of Dr. Ajay Srivastava in WKU’s Department of Biology.

In addition to Carton’s talk and poster presentation, this year’s poster presentations included the following:

“Geological and Hydrogeological ‘Red Flags’ that Influence Land-Use Hazards in Karst: A Case Study in Warren County, Kentucky,” by senior Mykah Carden (also of Russellville High School). This project is done under the mentorship of WKU Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences faculty Dr. Patricia Kambesis.

“Exploration of Public Perceptions of the Credibility of Attorney Class-Action Lawsuit Advertising,” by senior Caleb Neitzel (also of Barren County High School). This project is done under the mentorship of WKU Department of Economics faculty Dr. Jacob Byl.

“iEquity: An Augmented Reality Theatre Production,” by senior Amy Pan (also of Bowling Green High School). This project is done under the mentorship of WKU Department of Art and Design faculty Kristina Arnold and Truth Tran, and WKU Department of Theatre and Dance faculty Alan White.

“Dual Partisanship in America: Dead or Alive,” by senior Livi Ray (also of University Heights Academy). This project is done under the mentorship of WKU Department of Political Science faculty Dr. Scott Lasley and Dr. Joel Turner.

Gatton Alumni Dunil Kasturiratna and Kaden Yonts presented jointly on their research, “A Comprehensive Weather Climatology Utilizing 15 Years of Kentucky Mesonet Data.” This project is done under the mentorship of WKU Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences faculty Dr. Jerald Brotzge.

“The opportunity to participate in university faculty-mentored research is an important component of The Gatton Academy experience,” stated Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Gatton Academy Director. “Through their participation in research, Gatton students analyze problems and contribute to solutions for the Commonwealth. Posters at the Capital is an exciting way for Kentucky’s legislators to learn directly from Gatton, WKU, and other university students about the important research being done throughout the state. It’s a remarkable opportunity for students to interact with their legislators, as well.”

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.