During an intensive summer academic program, 84 Governors School in the sciences scholars learned how to plot the positions of the planets and determine the time each planet rises and sets on a given day; they studied the use of herbs and spices as mouthwash; they explored volcanic materials and the secrets of ancient Ecuadorian pottery engineers; and they researched the effect of increased levels of carbon dioxide, temperature, and drought-like conditions on different plant species. They presented their findings at a conference at Drew University on Aug. 2.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARA PEPE

Attending the summer academic program Governors School were: Joseph Lee; Rachel Sandler; Stephen Liang; Allan Wang; John Jensen; Cynthia Lo; Bryan Gerber; Claire Kim, of Montville; Piyush Puri; Gokul Mukunda; Anna Radakrishnan; Sameer Dhavalikar; Chris Choi; and Tyler Dorrity. The students project was Microbiology: The Spices of Life with Advisor Rachel Sandler and Assistant Joseph Lee.

Governors School scholars are high school students entering their senior year who were selected for the program from more than 300 applicants. Among the students who presented research projects at the Drew University campus were Claire Kim, and Kevin He of Montville; Adam Dormier, of Rockaway; and Hyejin Kim, of Lake Hiawatha.

Students worked in small groups during the three-week program.

"The Governors School cultivates interest in the sciences for high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds. Governors School graduates have made important contributions to research that benefit New Jerseys citizens and economy. We are very proud of the research the students presented earlier this month at Drew," said Rochelle Hendricks, New Jerseys secretary of higher education. Her office administers state funding for the Governors School.

Scholars lived on the Drew campus during the summer program. Emphasis was placed on solving complex issues that exist on local, state, national, and international levels. The scholars participated in college-level courses and labs. The scholars engaged in activities such as career day and a college fair that helped them connect with professors, professionals, and peers throughout the state.

This years program was funded by the State of New Jersey, the Charles Edison Foundation, Roche Foundation, Celgene, Novartis, the Independent College Fund of New Jersey, AT&T, Actavis, and contributions from alumni of the Governors School in the Sciences.

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