In Summer 2024, CTI hosted two SRET projects led by two chemists and UNC Charlotte and Queens University. Both sets of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) teachers completed research projects and presented their collaborative research poster at the 2024 Summer Research Symposium at UNC Charlotte.
Dr. Kirill Afonin, Chemistry at UNC Charlotte, and Elizabeth Skelley, Chemistry Ph.D. student at UNC Charlotte hosted two CMS teachers through a SRET Fellowship in their research lab. Sarmistha Ghosh, South Mecklenburg High School, and Regina Dula, Cochrane Collegiate Academy, both teach AP Biology.
Check out the research poster called, “Comparison of Fluorescence and Antibacterial Properties of DNA-Templated Silver Nanoclusters with Variable Cytosine Hairpin Loop Sizes.”
Dr. Aaron Socha, Biology and Chemistry at Queens University, hosted two CMS teachers (Evelyn Metcalf, Horizons Program at Charles H. Parker Academic Center and Jorden White, Middle Grade Science Teacher at Marie G. Davis IB School) for an SRET Fellowship exploring how the chemistry, biology and SCIENCE of biofuels and biodiesel can be taught in high school classrooms. We developes a series of experiments and problems and accompanying biofuel laboratory experiments engage students in science and renewable fuel.
As part of Dr. Socha’s program, CMS teachers:
- Be directly connected with a US Environmental Protection Agency Project
- Learn the basic chemistry, biology and engineering of biofuels and biodiesel
- Create several laboratory modules that can be used to make biodiesel from cooking oil
- Learn how to test the quality of biodiesel produced
- Develop relationships with like-minded scientists excited to make your biofuel lessons sucessful
- Learn how to discuss renewable energy to the general public by practicing presentation skills, graphic design and web-based media
Check out the research poster called, “Fuel for Thought: Biodiesel in the STEM Classroom.”
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