Science Research Honors

This two-term laboratory science course provides the opportunity to plan and execute a self-directed scientific research project to fulfill requirements for graduating with Honors in Science. Research projects that qualify for local, state, national, or international competitions will be submitted. It is anticipated that as a student proceeds through and reflects upon the research phase of this course, the student will increase his/her appreciation for science and develop a working awareness of the interrelationship of science, technology, and society.

As part of the Science Research Honors course, The Brian M. Barefoot Endowed Program for Entrepreneurial Studies will support teams of students pursuing more modern, long-term investigations, including solar cells, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and fuel cells. Their experiences will be similar to those of researchers in universities, professional laboratories, and high-tech startup companies.

Prerequisites: Each student should have completed or be in the process of completing the three core science courses (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Waiver of this requirement will be on a student-by-student basis. 

Student Research Facilities

Culver Academies offers research students with cutting-edge facilities and equipment. Students do most of their research in the 1800-square-foot designated research room with an attached woodshop. They also have access to an advanced chemistry laboratory, seismograph, and computer controlled telescope with a CCD camera.

Students have access to a variety of cutting-edge equipment, including Vernier and PASCO computer-interfaced measuring tools, incubators, sterilizers, fume hoods, high precision balances, and a growth chamber.

Student Research 2011 - 2012

Raul de las Fuentes Measuring yields of biodiesel made from dining hall food waste and comparing it to yields from canola oil.

Alex Ding Testing the effects of biostimulants on the growth of amaranth.

Edward Hogan Synthesis of CuSCN nanoparticles using sol-gel techniques.

Caleb Jadrich, Tess Janicki, Andrew Kilbourne Using ink-jet printing to do a combinatorial search for new fuel cell electrocatalysts.

Andrea Lin Testing the effectiveness of UV radiation for the breakdown of dioxins and other environmentally hazardous chemicals in soils.

Robert Schwieterman Testing of effectiveness of new catalyst layers for use in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Joy Shen Measuring current buffer capacity of Lake Maxinkuckee and comparing it to measurements from the early 1900s.

Jasmine Solola Testing effects of resveratrol on the longevity of fruit flies.

Research Advisors

Dr. Mark Prochaska

Dr. Chris Carrillo