Morehead State is at the forefront of STEM education in the Commonwealth

Morehead State University has served generations of students and families through hands-on education and continues to prepare students for the workforce with its selection of cutting-edge STEM programs. Students in all degree fields have opportunities to incorporate STEM into their studies through unique programs and initiatives designed to prepare them for 21st-century careers. Here are just some of the unique offerings available at Morehead State:

• Our program of distinction, the Bachelor of Science in Space Systems Engineering, is one of only a handful of such programs in the nation, with graduates working at aerospace firms, defense contractors and NASA. 
• Students in our space systems engineering programs receive hands-on skills and experience in designing, planning, building, and monitoring CubeSats and nanosats, small satellites used for space exploration. One of our CubeSats, Lunar IceCube, is included in NASA's Artemis I mission to the moon.  
• The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students interested in pursuing STEM degrees. The Academy recently launched the Center for STEM+eXcellence, a summer enrichment program that offers STEM-based educational camps and activities to K-12 students throughout Eastern Kentucky.  
• The Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State encourages future educators to pursue STEM through its Volgenau Scholars program. The renewable scholarship is offered to students pursuing math or science-related teaching degrees.
• The MSUTeach program offers students in STEM fields the opportunity to expand their career readiness by earning a bachelor's degree in their chosen field and a Kentucky teaching certification simultaneously.
• Students at MSU have the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking scientific research as early as their freshman year with our Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. The program partners students with faculty members actively engaged in scientific research and provide them with valuable practical skills that give them an edge in the job market. Students also gain networking opportunities by presenting their findings at local, state, national and international conferences.
• Our nursing program has a reputation throughout Kentucky for producing competent, capable nurses skilled in-patient care. Our programs boast consistent 100% job placement rates. Our students learn in state-of-the-art lab facilities equipped with mannequins that mimic a range of ailments and symptoms.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Junior Academy Sponsors



Thank you to our Platinum Level Sponsor


Thank you to our Gold Level Sponsors



 

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Thank you to our In-Kind partners










 

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Thank you to our Field Trip Presenters:

and Kentucky Paleontological Society

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Visit Our Event Exhibitors

Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
KY- INBRE at University of Louisville
Taking Flight Next Level
Eastern Kentucky University Center for Outdoor Education and Research
Kentucky State University
University of Louisville Department of Geographical & Environmental Science
Peace Corps
University of Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey
ASRC-Michelin
Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation / Advance Kentucky
University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Optometry and Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9

Thank you our Local Arrangements Team at Morehead State University
Dr. Elizabeth Thomas
Dr. Melissa Mefford
Dr. Jen O'Keefe
Dr. Kevin Adkins
and Thank you Taunya Jones, MSU Special Events Planning Manager

Thank you to our Kentucky Junior Academy Planning team at the Center for STEM+eXcellence
Jen Carter
Kristin Beighle
Ryan Arney
Brenda Porter
Karen Cornett

Thank you to KAS Officers
President Jon Dixon
President - Elect Julie Reizner
Vice President Noel Novelo
Past President Trent Garrison

Thank you to our Program Coordinator and Kentucky Junior Academy Director
Melony Stambaugh

Thank you to Our 2022 Section Leaders & Session Chairs
Agricultural Sciences
Shreya Patel, IvyTech Indiana
 
Anthropology and Sociology
Ann Kingsolver, University of Kentucky
Timothy Hare, Morehead State University

Cancer
Julia Carter, Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory
Courtney Martin, University of Kentucky
 
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Mahavir Singh, University of Louisville
Sarah Andres, University of Louisville
 
Chemistry: Analytical/ Physical
Emmalou Schmittzehe, Morehead State University
Laura Rowe, Eastern Kentucky University

Chemistry: Organic / Inorganic
Elizabeth Thomas, Morehead State University
 
Computer and Information Sciences
Jerzy Jaromczyk, University of Kentucky
Muzaffar Ali,  Bellarmine University
 
Ecology
John Starnes,  KCTCS
Ben Brammell, Asbury  University

Engineering
Aaron Daley, US Army Corps of Engineers
Seyed Allameh,  Northern Kentucky University       

Environmental Science
Marvin Ruffner, Asbury University
Jennifer Adler,  KCTCS
 
Geography
Christopher Day,  University of Louisville
Charlie Zhang,  University of Louisville
 
Geology
Dan Phelps,  Kentucky Paleontological Society
Sarah Arpin, University of Kentucky
 
Health Sciences
Avinash Tope,  Kentucky State University
Louisa  Summers, Berea College
 
Mathematics
Doug Chatham, Morehead State University
 
Microbiology
Bill Staddon,  Eastern Kentucky University

Physics and Astronomy
Marilyn Akins, Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Kevin Adkins, Morehead State University
 
Physiology and Biochemistry
Amanda Hughes, Georgetown College
Michael Guy,  Northern Kentucky University

Psychology
Ilsun White, Morehead  State University
Matthew Shake, Western Kentucky University
 
Science Education
Shreya Patel,  Ivy Tech Indiana
Darla  French, University of Pikeville
Wilson Gonzales-Espada, Morehead State University
 
Zoology / Botany                  
Jeremy Gibson, Kentucky Wesleyan College
David Hayes,  Eastern Kentucky University
 
Thank you Jon Dixon for Cover Design
Thank you Jade Doellman for Graphic Design & Program Layout

2022 KAS Annual Meeting Online Program

 Junior Academy Collaboration


Greetings!
You may have noticed that some of the scientists attending the KAS meeting this year look a bit younger than what we usually see.  The good news is that the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science students are now joining with us as we have combined the KJAS spring meeting with the KAS fall meeting.  This is a great opportunity for middle and high school students to see college students and faculty in action and help to guide them in their future scientific research.
We have been assisted this year by Morehead State University’s Center for STEM+eXcellence in making new connections to local middle and high school students and teachers.  Many of the workshops this year are a direct result of this amazing partnership. We at KAS are so grateful to Jen Carter and her dedicated team for developing a fantastic program for our Junior Academy scientists!
We want to thank everyone who is supporting the Junior Academy and encourage you to make them feel welcome. 

Melony Stambaugh                                                            Jen Carter
Director,  Kentucky Junior Academy of Science                Director,   Center for STEM + eXcellence                      
Program Coordinator KAS
 



KAS Code of Conduct
The Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting is an interdisciplinary professional environment that cultivates scientific discovery and understanding.
Thank you for contributing to our advancement of science by behaving professionally, respectfully and collegially at all times.


 

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Special Accommodations
We want to make this meeting welcoming and accessible for you! Please let us know what you need.

Gender Neutral restrooms are available on the first floor of the ADUC building
A Mothers' Room is available in room 319 of ADUC
A Practice Room is available for presenters most of the day Friday, and Saturday morning in room 320
A Quiet Room is available in Room 322.

Getting Around

Morehead Campus Map
ADUC floor plan
 

Parking

Please place your KAS parking pass in your front window and park in one of the designated areas on the parking map

KAS Parking Map

Connecting to MSU Wireless
Instructions for macOS or iOS

Food
If you ordered box lunches, they will be available Friday in ADUC on the 3rd floor, and Saturday in Button Auditorium.
The ADUC 2nd floor Food Court is open Friday for lunch.
There is a Starbucks on the 1st floor of the ADUC building.
The Rock  Dining Hall is open Thursday until 10pm; Friday 7-10am, 11am-3pm, 4-8pm; Saturday 11am-8pm.  Breakfast - $7.50 Brunch, Lunch, Dinner - $9. The Rock is about a10 minute walk from ADUC.  

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Photo contest
 
Share your creativity in the Annual Meeting photo contest!
 
With a phone in every pocket, we’re all photographers now! Please help us share the excitement and  action during the 2022 KAS Annual Meeting and let your creativity shine by sharing your conference photos to social media.
 
You’ll win $50 if your photo is judged as the meeting’s best! You can join the contest by posting photos on Facebook,  Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag  #KASMeeting2022 . Post them by 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13.
 
You’ll find KAS on Twitter with the handle @Kyscientists. On Instagram, we’re  kentuckyscience. Find us on Facebook under: Kentucky Academy of Science.
 

Thursday, November 10, 2022  5:00pm - 8:00pm

Teacher Workshop: Aquaculture

Room 325

Teachers, Please join us for dinner with scientists before the workshop, beginning at 5pm.

This workshop is for high school teachers. Dr. Kenneth Thompson of Kentucky State University will introduce Kentucky State University's new Aquaculture Teacher Manual which will be available for free (hard copy) to teachers who participate in the workshop.  The manual is designed to increase secondary teachers‘ awareness and knowledge of this exciting agriculture STEM field.  Several schools throughout the state of Kentucky have already implemented this curriculum and it is aligned with the NGSS. Dr. Thompson will share lesson plans connected to this manual, and will bring prototypes of a mini-aquaponics system that can be used in the classroom. Dr. Thompson will also share funding resources to explore for purchasing the equipment. 

Thursday, November 10, 2022  5:00pm - 8:00pm

Teacher Workshop: DNA in Color

Adron Doran University Center 3rd floor

Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Thomas of Morehead State University
Teachers, Please join us for dinner with scientists before the workshop, beginning at 5pm. 
The content of this lab quantifies DNA damage through a colorimetric assay. The lesson will primarily be targeted to advanced or high school level chemistry and biology students and is designed for a 24-person classroom, to be accomplished in a 75 minute class.

Friday, November 11, 2022  10:45am - 11:45am

Junior Academy Workshop: DNA In Color

Room 321

Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Thomas and Kelsey Heard

This lab quantifies DNA damage through a colorimetric assay, for advanced or high school level chemistry and biology students.

Friday, November 11, 2022  12:00pm - 1:00pm

Science Advocacy Workshop

Room 329

Presented by Rob Weber

KAS Communications and Policy Director Rob Weber will share tips and tools that you can use to help give the science community a strong voice at the State Capitol and everywhere else policy decisions are made. Rob will also review top issues under consideration in Frankfort and offer a brief preview of the Kentucky General Assembly's 2022 legislative session.

A former newspaper journalist, Rob served as the Public Information Manager for the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission before coming aboard KAS. He is a graduate of Leadership Frankfort and served as an officer for organizations including the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators, Toastmasters International, and the national Legislative Information and Communications Staff Association.
 

Saturday, November 12, 2022  11:15am - 12:30pm

Plenary Session w Keynote Speaker Andrea Armani

Button Auditorium

Over the past decade or so, my career has taken me from Physics to Biology to Engineering. This experience has taught me one thing: the more you know, the better questions you can ask. This philosophy is exemplified in my current research, which is focused on the development of new diagnostic systems. This work includes synthesizing new materials and building new optical devices in order to better understand disease progression. We have numerous collaborations with physicians to guide and to accelerate the medical relevancy of our research. During this presentation, I will discuss highlights of a few recent projects as well as my path over my academic career, focusing on critical decision points.

Saturday, November 12, 2022  1:59pm - 5:00pm

Geology Field Trip

Meet at circle pull-out between ADUC and Lappin

This workshop is presented by the Kentucky Paleontological Society and the Geological Society of Kentucky.
This workshop is presented by the Kentucky Paleontological Society and the Geological Society of Kentucky in conjunction with Morehead State University and The Geology Section of the Kentucky Academy of Sciences. Trip leaders are: Charles E. Mason, Morehead State University emeritus; Dr. Frank R. Ettensohn, University of Kentucky; Dr. Jen O’Keefe, Morehead State University; and Tim Lewis, retired petroleum geologist.
 
The field trip will explore the Upper Ordovician geology of eastern Kentucky at the famous but infrequently visited “Slate Valley” section in Bath County and provide opportunities to collect fossils for use in teaching and personal collections. On the return trip, there will be opportunity to collect additional rock types.


 

Saturday, November 12, 2022  1:59pm - 5:00pm

Teacher Workshop: Amgen Biotech Experience

Room 301

Presenter: Joanne Dobbins

This workshop is for high school life sciences teachers. For our presentation of the Amgen Biotech Experience we are prepared to present a description of the program.  Using examples of the ABE high-quality resources for secondary schools, including laboratory-based and classroom-based curriculum materials as well as Web-based resources. The program also loans research-grade equipment and supplies at no cost to teachers.  We would like to provide a small sample of our Profession Development Institute that occurs every summer.  Our program will offer one hands-on exercise using gel electrophoresis with our participants.  We will provide the instruction, lesson planning, preparation, and equipment.  Our program will provide state and national best practices standards and information.  In addition we will make available a short demonstration of our vast reservoir of curriculums and resources for in-class and online instruction.

Saturday, November 12, 2022  1:59pm - 5:00pm

Teacher Workshop: Color Mixing with Glow Sticks and Spectroscopy

Lappin Hall 230

Presenter: Jennifer Birriel

Presented by the Kentucky Association of Physics Teachers.
This workshop uses glow sticks and spectra to analyze the dyes of the various colors of glow sticks. The audience is high school and introductory college physics teachers. Using glow sticks intrigues the students since they are something the students are already familiar with.
The workshop would include the following topics:

•             Color Addition Theory
•             Light/Matter interactions – absorption, reflection, and fluorescence
•             Spectroscopy
•             Scientific reasoning

These topics would be included as a discussion and applied to the glow stick process. Data from the glow sticks would be collected, analyzed, and discussed. Teachers would leave with ideas and techniques to apply working with glow sticks in their classrooms.

Saturday, November 12, 2022  1:59pm - 5:00pm

Teacher Workshop: Tree Rings

Room 326

Presenter: Maegen Rochner

This workshop will introduce educators to the science of dendrochronology, or tree-ring science, and how it can be used to teach students about trees, environments, climate, andsustainability. Dendrochronology, the scientific method of dating tree rings, provides information on the ages of trees but also on the environmental conditions they have experienced over time, informing past climate and environmental change, but also modern stressors on trees and forests. The workshop will include hands-on examination of tree-ring samples and accompanying activities. Teachers will leave with their own tree-ring samples and copies of accompanying materials they can use in their classrooms, activity options targeted to middle and high school students.