BNL and SLS Assist Students in Research
Posted on January 23, 2012
An SLS-organized trip to the Brookhaven National Lab benefits outstanding science students from component districts.
Each year, the Brookhaven National Laboratory draws thousands of researchers from 400 universities, government labs, and companies to study a wide range of materials from catalysts to computer chips to biological molecules. It also draws high school students via the Eastern Suffolk BOCES (ESBOCES) School Library System (SLS).
Recently, 30 bright and eager students with librarians and teachers from eight districts attended the Lab’s annual “Partners in Science” program. Touring the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) - a user research facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy – the young people viewed two electron storage rings that provide intense focused light spanning the electromagnetic spectrum from the infrared through x-rays. The properties of this light and the specially designed experimental stations, called beamlines, allow scientists in many fields of research to perform experiments not otherwise possible. “Over 900 publications came out of this building last year,” stated a proud tour guide. “Scientists from around the world have come to this building to use the beams,” he added. “This is the future of photon science.”
“This is mind-blowing,” commented Bryan Ramirez of the Islip UFSD. “I can’t wait to bring my project here to get the beams on it.” He and classmates Nicholas Fanizzi and Kenneth Sattler are studying heavy metal and water sources in a two-year research course with SUNY Albany.
Islip’s Bryan Ramirez (above) uses a BNL laptop for research. Seated behind him is SLS’s Maddy Svoboda who, with Administrative Coordinator Gail Barraco, coordinated the BNL event.
Riverhead CSD science teacher Lance Mion was asked how he selected his five students for the program. He replied, “I chose those who would benefit the most from the lab’s research library. It’s a great experience for them.”
Islip librarian Gina Seymour also remarked on the opportunity. It’s invaluable to our students to be able to sit down with BNL scientists over lunch and discuss their school projects, hopes, and dreams.” Additionally, the students are given the privilege to return to the research library weekdays to read the latest science journals and to borrow books. “We’re very grateful to Eastern Suffolk BOCES and the SLS,” she added.
Cornell University alumnus and BNL physicist Michael Blaskiewicz speaks with Riverhead CSD students Renee Mott, Alycia Kratoville, and Sarah Cook.
Dr. Michael M. Blaskiewicz provided insight for Riverhead CSD students. “Bio-physics is going to be huge,” he said, “and nanotechnology is up and coming in the medical arena.” He advised them on double majors to pursue in college.
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