Astronomy Students Present Research at National Conference

MUNDELEIN, Ill. - Four Carmel Catholic students recently traveled to Kissemee, Florida to present research at the American Astronomical Society's (AAS) annual conference.

Allison Cuba '16, Kevin O'Hara '16, Sammy Dickmann '17 and Brandi Ropinski '17, are enrolled in Carmel Catholic's astronomy research class. Under the leadership of their teacher, Ms. Marcella Linahan, the students have collaborated with students from Breck School in Minneapolis, MN for the past three years on authentic astronomy research projects. This past year, they surveyed archival data of open star clusters and obtained original data with which they compared it.

"We work together to make sure we haven't made errors," said Dickmann of the research process which included calculating the stars' ages and distances. "We used Google hangouts and shared documents to collaborate."

The schools presented their findings together in the exhibit hall at the AAS conference and were one of only a few high schools present. When they were not presenting, the students attended lectures, explored exhibits, and engaged in discussion with astronomers and university representatives from around the country.

"It was an eye-opening experience for them," said Linahan, who also noted that most students enrolled in her astronomy research class go on to pursue physics in college. "They were able to talk with students enrolled in science programs at some of the most prestigious universities in the country. This type of exposure has far reaching implications for their futures in college and beyond."

Carmel Catholic students are selected to participate in the Astronomy Research class based on an application process that takes place each spring. The program typically enrolls a limited class size of four to seven students.

The course functions as an independent research project. "It's real science," said Linahan noting the uniqueness of the program. "There is not a known answer that I, as a teacher, can provide for the students."

The program is an opportunity for Linahan to share her own interests with her students. In 2014, Linahan, was selected to participate in NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy program (SOFIA). Through the program, which partners teachers with professional astronomers, Linihan studied information through an infrared telescope while flying in a converted Boeing 747SP jetliner 45,000 feet above the water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere.

"There is a need for mentors in STEM," said Linihan who also noted there is a particular gap in female mentors. "I am very passionate about providing real-world experiences for Carmel students interested in this field of study."

"Opportunities like the astronomy research class are what I like best about Carmel," said Dickmann. "If a student is passionate about something, they will have the opportunity to explore that passion."