Frontiers of Science Institute (FSI) Mathematics & Science Teaching (MAST) Institute
Recommendation for
Steven Cromer Written by Rebecca Kipf Earth & Atmospheric Science Instructor and Advisor Frontiers of Science Institute (FSI) 2015 This letter of recommendation for Steven Cromer is based completely on the interaction between Steven and the FSI staff during the 2015 Frontiers of Science Institute. This letter will discuss Steven’s abilities in science, college life, and his ability to conduct meaningful and positive relationships with his instructors and peers. FSI is an intensive, sixweek program that correlates closely to college in that it places students in a residence hall, requires them to attend rigorous classes and complete indepth research in one of several science fields. Students are selected for this program based on their academic performance at their respective high schools, test scores, responses to essay questions and recommendations from their high school faculty and staff. They must demonstrate a strong aptitude in math and science and the potential to excel in a demanding research environment among high achieving peers. Exposed to curricula encoming current frontiers of science, students in FSI are expected to assume both the roles of college students and budding research scientists. Coursework and laboratory activities in the areas of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and All About STEMGuest Lectures made up the 2015 FSI curricula. As part of those curricula, students attend seminars by professional research scientists, participate in industrial visitations, and take a variety of educational field trips. Outdoor education is also heavily emphasized, requiring students to actively engage in demonstrative learning activities in environmental education while on teambuilding, fieldbased instructional camping trips to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Swift Ponds. Most importantly, the students conduct collegiate level research in their primary scientific field of interest under the supervision and guidance of university professors and graduate students. In doing so, FSI students develop a literature review, research paper, website, conferencegrade scientific poster, and professional multimedia presentation. Academic Productivity and Potential: Steven is a conscientious student with a strong desire to learn. He asks smart questions, is very detail oriented, and puts forth effort into doing his best work by utilizing strong problem solving skills. Steven is also a natural leader. He works well with other students and is not afraid to take the lead in order to get the job done. Ross 1210, CAMPUS BOX 123, GREELEY, CO 80639 ∙ Office 9703512976 Fax 9703511269 • http://mast.unco.edu/fsi
Steven Cromer Page two For his research project, Steven worked with two other FSI students on a project within UNC’s Physics Department. The project was part of a NASA investigation into the effects of radiation on carbon nanotubes. This project required the students to gain a basic knowledge about carbon nanotubes and their uses. The main body of the project involved the construction of a box to carry scientific instruments to test the nanotubes that would be carried by a weather balloon. Steven worked diligently on the design, construction, and testing of the box. He worked hard and definitely played a leadership role in his group. Steven demonstrated well thought out experimental design and scientific techniques. His paper was well written and it was obvious that he had put a lot of thought and work into it before he turned in each draft. He took constructive criticism well and obviously wanted to sharpen his writing skills. Personal and Social Attributes: Steven is a very confident young man. During his time at FSI, he was definitely a leader among his peers. He has an outgoing personality and a clear idea of where he is going. He was respectful of others and willing to help out when he was asked. His leadership skills allowed other students to feel more confident and to work together. I feel that he was one of the outstanding participants of the 2015 summer. Suggestions for Success: Steven has a bright future and much to offer the world of STEM. I encourage him to seek opportunities to further develop and use his leadership skills. Steven will remain successful if he continues to cultivate his current skill set. He is not particularly lacking in any one area and therefore, as he continues to develop his talents, will benefit from rounded improvement taking care not to neglect any one. This is as opposed to working on a specific need area that could be easier to target and emphasize. Steven should broaden his knowledge in as many STEM subjects as possible. With his impressive academic abilities, he has many paths to choose from. He has a great interest in science, and together with his outstanding drive and selfdirection, he will achieve any academic and career goal he chooses to set for himself. Steven is well on his way to reaching his potential. Ratings: Ratings are based on an advanced scientific curriculum comparable to freshman/sophomorelevel college work. Students had the option to take the FSI course for UNC college credit. If taking the course for credit, students were assigned a letter grade. If not, each student was given a rating of poor, good, excellent, or superior. Steven received the letter grade ‘A’ for the FSI course exceeding expectations in all academic areas.
Submitted on November 4, 2015 by:
Lori K. Ball Director FSI
Ross 1210, CAMPUS BOX 123, GREELEY, CO 80639 ∙ Office 9703512976 Fax 9703511269 • http://mast.unco.edu/fsi