Temple Douglas works with former Mason researcher Davide Tamburro during the Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program. (Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University). Research Science Institute - Intenstive, 6-week summer research opportunity at. AFA Cyberpatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program. San Francisco Bay Area National Parks Internships. George Mason Aspiring Scientist Program.
Northern Virginia Community College student Daniel Alvarez-Castegnaro presented the results of the research he conducted during the 2015 Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program sponsored by George Mason University. Ia Gomez (middle), interim associate dean of Science and Applied Technologies at the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, celebrated the successful end of the 2015 Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program with NOVA students Solmaz Eskandari Nezhad, Christopher Johnson, Daniel Alvarez-Castegnaro and Stacey Boyd.
Four students from Northern Virginia Community College’s Biotechnology Program recently completed George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program. The students are Daniel Alvarez-Castegnaro of Alexandria, Stacey Boyd of Springfield, Solmaz Eskandari Nezhad of Manassas and Christopher Johnson of Haymarket. The budding scientists conducted research on nanoparticles at George Mason’s National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases with Director of Research Fatah Kashanchi.
Research on nanoparticles has potential applications in medicine, environmental science, manufacturing, engineering and other fields. “Participating in the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program was a highly enriching and valuable opportunity,” Alvarez-Castegnaro said. “Working in the biodefense department and being surrounded by scientists doing research in specific areas that can revolutionize the current applied sciences was extremely eye-opening and motivating. It is amazing to look back and realize how much I learned in just a couple of months.” Eskandari Nezhad enjoyed all the workshops, journal clubs and professional development series. “Even though Dr. Kashanchi seemed extremely busy with his projects, he would spend time with each student and discuss their projects in detail every day. He was really easy to approach and knowledgeable.
We had this chance to work directly with him throughout our entire project,” she said. Boyd said the summer program verified that she’s on the right educational track. “Having the opportunity to participate in the program confirmed my career goals of working in a research lab,” she said. “The experience was invaluable as we were able to take the skills we learned in the classroom and apply them in a true research setting working with nanoparticles. Also, we were able to see firsthand how to adapt to the daily tasks of laboratory duties as well as the importance of working as a team on our research projects.” The director of the George Mason lab appreciated the students’ contributions. “I am grateful to Dr.
Ia Gomez who invited me to the nanotechnology partnership which resulted in these internships. The students were mature and fully enthused about their research which is a sign of the high quality of the students at NOVA,” Kashanchi said. Gomez is the interim associate dean of Science and Applied Technologies at NOVA-Manassas.
“The campus is very interested in creating research and educational opportunities for STEM students and specifically in the field of nanoscience,” Gomez said. “Wonderful partners like Dr. Kashanchi, ASSIP Program Director Amy VanMeter Adams and our colleagues at George Mason work with us to create a sustainable STEM pipeline into the workforce and truly contribute to a great educational experience for our students.” The 2015 Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program began June 25, 2015, and ended with a poster symposium Aug. 14, 2015, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The program was established in 2007 to provide hands-on lab experiences for high school and undergraduate students.
Students work alongside researchers using state-of-the-art technology to solve hypothesis-driven questions in several scientific fields. Often participants’ names are published in scientific journals and their work is presented at scientific conferences. In addition to gaining valuable laboratory and research experience, students have the opportunity to meet with scientists from many disciplines. Under the leadership of Provost Roger Ramsammy, NOVA’s Manassas Campus has acquired state-of-the-art nanoscience equipment, including scanning electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes and 3D optical profilers. “By providing our students with internships, innovative technologies and advanced curricula, we can ensure that NOVA’s graduates have the competitive skills they need to attain satisfying, well-paying careers,” Ramsammy said.
For more information, contact Gomez at or 703-530-8255.
Having trouble viewing this email?. Dear West Potomac Community— Happy New Year!
We hope you are staying warm this weekend as winter weather has firmly established its presence and we enjoyed the first snow. This past week we noticed excitement among students and educators alike as we reunited after being away for over two weeks.
There was a readiness to get back to the work we find meaningful, perhaps in part because we have but a few short weeks remaining in the second quarter and first semester. If you have not done so recently, now is a great time to log into SIS ParentVue and/or StudentVue to check your progress on recent assessments. We encourage all students to make use of the Wolverine Time intervention period and our Monday and Thursday late bus days as we each finish the semester on a high note. This week students and educators enjoyed two major facilities enhancements that many labored mightily to achieve over break.
Phase one of our Wolverine Green island project (brick and concrete work) is now complete. It’s opening delighted students with easier traffic flow from the Quander and Springbank buildings to Gunston. In the months ahead, native plants and seating will be added and we will finish the outdoor classroom component of the project. Inside the building, three new science labs opened following a mini-renovation funded by FCPS this fall. The relocation of these classes from general spaces allowed us to move some math and history classes from our oldest trailers back into the building for the remainder of this year.
![Internship Internship](http://cos.gmu.edu/ggs/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2015/08/ASSIP-2015_2.jpg)
We will next renovate those trailers. As our community manages the continued student growth on our campus, efforts to maximize space are indeed critical. The Fairfax County Public Schools FY2018-22 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes discussion of how urgent support (such as an addition) is to relieve overcrowding at WPHS. The Fairfax County School Board will hold a public hearing on the CIP on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at 6 p.m. At Jackson Middle School.
Your interest and advocacy for WPHS, as appropriate, is certainly welcome. After visiting Sandburg Middle School last week, we kick off academic advising for current students by holding Curriculum Night on Monday, January 9, 2017. We thank the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) for yielding its monthly meeting time to support this essential outreach event and look forward to seeing you all there. It is a great time to be a West Potomac Wolverine! Sincerely, Alexander B. Case Principal.
School News Dance Team Stars Shine Congratulations to Grace Merkli and Anna Rizzi. They were chosen as Universal Dance Association (UDA) All Americans and represented the West Potomac Dance Team in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Congratulations also to Victoria Rulapaugh for being chosen as UDA All American. Victoria represented the West Potomac Dance Team in the London New Year's Day Parade. All Night Grad Committee Meeting: January 17 There will be an All Night Grad meeting Tuesday, January 17, at 7:00 pm in the College & Career Center. You do not have to be a parent of a senior to be on the committee. Please join us!
Night of the Living Dead at WPHS Beyond the Page Theatre Company returns this iconic thriller to West Potomac. The story follows characters Ben, Barbra and five others trapped in a rural farmhouse in Western Pennsylvania, which is attacked by a large and growing group of unnamed 'living dead' monsters. This performance is not for the faint of heart. It is a true horror film come to life. The show runs January 26, 27, 28, and February 2, 3, 4. College & Career Center (CCC) News Upcoming Events.
February 7: GAP YEAR FAIR at George C. Marshall High School, 7-9:00 pm. Fair will offer the opportunity for interested students/parents to have face-to-face conversations with GAP YEAR program providers, trip leaders, advisors and GAP YEAR alumni.
March 14: Mark your calendars for the “College Planning Night for Juniors and Parents”. Panel of college admissions representatives will present information on the college admissions process, SAT/ACT tests, community college option and financial aid/scholarships. March 16: Military Service and ROTC Night, 6:30-8:00 pm, Edison High School.
March 29: Northern Virginia Regional College Fair, 6:30-9:00 pm, EagleBank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus. March 29: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test (ASVAB) opportunity for WPHS juniors and seniors, 8:30 am, in the College & Career Center. Students must register to take the test. Financial Aid West Potomac High School Financial Aid Champion Now Available to assist in completing the 2017-2018 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Dale Schmidt is available to meet with students and parents/guardians throughout the year in the College & Career Center. You may also email Mr.
Schmidt to schedule an appointment:. Schmidt will be in the CCC from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm January 9, 11, 18, 23, 25 and 31.
Scholarship Information Scholarship opportunities are available to FCPS students to review and apply for through Family Connection. Students can review and apply for scholarships by logging into Blackboard, Family Connection, Colleges Tab then Scholarship List bottom of page. This site is updated weekly and students are ENCOURAGED to review on a regular basis as deadline dates are critical. Did you know scholarships may be available through colleges and universities?
Students searching for scholarships also need to review college websites for scholarship information. Best practice is to look under Admissions and/or Financial Aid for each school.
If you need help, please come to the College and Career center for assistance. Military Information Interested in a Military career after high school graduation?
Military Services representatives will be available to speak with interested students during lunch blocks on the following days. US Air Force: 1st Thursday of every month. US Army and VA Army National Guard: 2nd Thursday of every month. US Marine Corps: 1st Wednesday of every month. US Navy: 3rd Wednesday of every month Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program at George Mason University is accepting applications from high school and undergraduate students who would like to gain cutting-edge, hands-on research experience during the summer.
The application is available online at. Opportunities are available at Mason’s Science and Technology and Fairfax campuses as well as select off-site locations. Students 16 years or older by June 26, 2017, are eligible to apply. This includes seniors regardless of their future undergraduate institution.
Applications are due February 5, 2017. Activities News West Potomac Sports January 9-14: Basketball Girls (JV, V) Tue, 1/10 @ Mount Vernon.Double Header + JV Team, 4:30/5:45 Girls (FR) Tue, 1/10 vs. Mount Vernon High School, 4:30 Girls (FR, JV, V) Fri, 1/13 @ Annandale High School, 4:30/5:45/7:15 Boys (FR, JV) Tue, 1/10 vs. Mount Vernon High School, 5:45/7:15 Boys (V) Tue, 1/10 @ Mount Vernon.Double Header, 7:15 Boys (FR, JV, V) Fri, 1/13 vs. Annandale High School, 4:30/5:45/715 Boys (V) Sat, 1/14 @ Stonewall Jackson High School TBA Gymnastics Thu, 1/12 Quad Meet @ Falls Church High School, 6:30 Swim/Dive Fri, 1/13 Annandale HS @ Mount Vernon RECenter, 6:30 Indoor Track Fri, 1/13 Oakton, South County, Lake Braddock (TJ) 5:30 Wrestling JV Wrestling Mon, 1/9 Jamboree @ West Potomac High School, 6:00 Varsity Wrestling Wed, 1/11 Super Quad @ Annandale High School, 6:00 Varsity Wrestling Sat, 1/14 Tri Match @ Washington Lee High School, TBA For the most current news in West Potomac athletics, please check the.
Parent Teacher Student Association Updates PTSA Meeting Update There will not be a general PTSA membership meeting in January. The next PTSA meeting is February 13, and the topic is Academic Advising/Graduation Requirements. Curriculum/Advanced Academic Presentation/Electives Fair: Monday, January 9 Don't miss the Curriculum/Advanced Academic Presentation/Electives Fair on Monday, January 9. The 9th grade presentation takes place at 6:00 in the auditorium, and the 10th–12th grade presentation starts at 6:00 in the Kogelman Theater. The Electives Fair will begin at 7:00 after the grade break out sessions. Note, the Curriculum Night snow date: T ue., January 17, 6:30–9:00 pm.
PTSA Directories Are Here The largest fundraiser for the PTSA is the printed school directories. Local community businesses have paid for advertising in this useful directory to support our school. Please consider supporting them as they have committed to support us. In fact, tell them you saw their ad in the directory! You will also find useful school and contact information. One directory will be delivered to the oldest student in your family through English classes starting Monday, January 9. Be sure to get your copy from your student.
We'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Directory team that worked on this profitable fundraiser for the PTSA: Marilyn Aboff, Sheri Lapan, Sue Bernstein, Ilene Lewis and Rachel Ball. Producing the directory is hard but valuable work – the funds raised allow the PTSA to do so much for our school and students. FCPS Calendar Reminders. Schools Closed on January 16 and January 20. End of Second Quarter: Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 FY 2018 Proposed Budget to Be Presented January 12 Interim Division Superintendent Steve Lockard will present the at the School Board meeting on January 12 at Jackson Middle School at 7 p.m. The School Board will be holding a budget work session on January 23, and a public hearing on the Proposed Budget on January 30, with additional hearings on January 31 and February 1 if needed. Citizen Town Hall Meetings with School Board Rep Mt.
Vernon School Board Representative Karen Corbett Sanders will be holding Citizen Town Hall Meetings this winter. These citizen town halls are to hear from community members about key issues facing our schools in Mt. Vernon and the school system.
Please note the schedule change below; the January 9 town hall meeting has been rescheduled to January 24. Please plan on joining Karen at one of these sessions. Tuesday, January 17 - 7:00 p.m. South County High School cafeteria Tuesday, January 24 - 7:00 p.m. Saratoga Elementary School cafeteria. Fundraising Information Support WPHS Boys Soccer at Chipotle January 17 Let Chipotle do the cooking for you Tuesday, January 17. Order between 5:00 and 9:00 pm at Chipotle, 6770 Richmond Highway (Beacon Mall), and tell the cashier you’re supporting the fundraiser to have 50% of proceeds donated to West Potomac Boys Soccer.
Live Music: WPHS Guitar Fundraiser at Primo January 30 West Potomac Guitar will be holding a restaurant fundraiser at Primo Restaurant on Monday, January 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per person, cash only, for unlimited pizza and soda. Guitar students will be playing covers and original music for your dining pleasure.
Wolverine Green Update The Wolverine Green outdoor classroom is ready. Construction began on November 28 and was 95% complete by New Year's Day. What remains to be done for Phase I is the installation of the tops for the wall seating and lighting. In our end of year Hail Mary pass to raise an additional $5,000, we met our goal. Thank you to the many people who so generously donated.
Contributions from last February at the Valentine's Day Dance through today total about $73,000. Plus, we have received 'In-Kind' donations that are valued at $25,000 so far.
This has been an extraordinary example of our administration, WP families, WP PTSA, local business and the greater community coming together for a common goal: BUILD the Wolverine Green! Our work is not done; now we need the GREEN on the Green.
Planning for Phase II has already started. Water and electricity installation as well as a Virginia native habitat are in the works for this spring. West Potomac's Wolverine Green will have its first Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 22.
Stay tuned for all the details. Beyond the Page Zombie Camp In advance of our late-January production of Night of the Living Dead, our world-famous theatre department will host a Zombie Drama Camp for students in 3rd-8th grades on Saturday, January 7, from 10 am to 2 pm. Campers will sing, dance, and learn how to do hair and makeup at this fundraising event, which supports the hard-working WPHS theatre students performing at the Edinburgh, Scotland, Fringe Festival this summer. Zombie Camp cost is $50; $40 per additional siblings. Space is limited. Junior West Potomac Dance Team Forming Want to be part of the WestPo Dance Team but not yet in high school? Here's your chance!
K - 6th graders can sign up now for the Winter Junior West Potomac Dance Team being formed for a two-day dance workshop Jan. 17 and 18, 4:30 - 6:00, held in the WestPo dance studio. Dancers will perform the following day, Jan. 19, at a varsity basketball game; 7:00 arrival time, game starts 7:30. Dancers will sit with the varsity dance team and dance with them at halftime! $40 fee includes workshop, T-shirt and admission to game for your dancer. To reserve a spot, please contact Heather at.
Easiest Fundraisers Ever Did you know that you can help the West Potomac PTSA earn money simply by shopping at your favorite grocery and online stores? By taking a few minutes to register your accounts, the PTSA could earn hundreds of dollars to be used toward programs that benefit all of our kids. Here’s all the information you need:.
Amazon Smile – Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the PTSA. Amazon Smile is the same as Amazon. Same products, same prices, same service. All you have to do it log into and designate West Potomac High PTSA as the group you would like to help and the school will start earning money. Just remember to log into AmazonSmile when you shop, instead of Amazon.com. Giant A+ - Just log onto www.Giant.com/aplus to designate West Potomac, ID #02263, using your Giant Card or call the A+ Hotline at for assistance.
If you registered in the past, please verify that West Potomac is still your designated school. Don’t forget to encourage your friends and family to register too. Harris Teeter - The next time you shop at Harris Teeter, give the cashier the West Potomac PTSA Account number 3602 and your VIC card will start earning money for the school.
The PTSA will receive 5% of the purchase price of Harris Teeter brand prodcuts. If you have any questions about these programs, please contact Monica Mulvihill at.