Exciting News: Academy Students Chosen as Delegates for 2025 American Junior Academy of Science – WNKY News 40

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Students from The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University showcased their research at the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science meeting in Frankfort. This event was part of the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting.

A total of 50 students from across Kentucky participated, with 11 students selected to represent the state at the 2025 American Junior Academy of Science conference in Boston. Eight of these talented students are from The Gatton Academy:

• Aanyaa Arora (’25) explored cell cycle regulation in yeast under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Marquardt from WKU.
• Asa Ashley (’25) discussed relativistic fermion dynamics in physics, guided by Dr. Tony Simpao at WKU.
• Ava Blackledge (’25) investigated a toxic gene product in bacteriophages, mentored by Dr. Rodney King at WKU.
• Katie Isaacs (’25) researched photon detection techniques with Dr. Renee Fatemi from the University of Kentucky.
• Youngwoo Kim (’26) focused on membrane potential roles, under the guidance of Dr. Robin Cooper at the University of Kentucky.
• Varshith Kotagiri (’25) developed a new fluorescent sensor for chemical detection, mentored by Dr. Lei Li at WKU.
• Sydney Putnam (’25) examined developmental biology in fruit flies with Dr. Ajay Srivastava from WKU.
• Daniel Thelen (’25) analyzed groundwater dynamics in Mammoth Cave National Park, mentored by Lee Ann Bledsoe at WKU.

Other Gatton Academy students also presented their work through posters or oral presentations:

• Luna Asbell (’25) and Katie Isaacs (’25) on Gaussian tools in chemistry.
• Mahmood Ateyeh (’25) on pathogen photodeactivation using nanoparticles.
• Zahra Chasmawala (’25) on neuron energy consumption modeling in mathematics.
• Youngwoo Kim (’26) and Amogh Patnaik (’26) compared generative models for medical datasets.
• Lola Norman (’25) researched the effects of bacteria on metabolite production.
• Alrose Noronha (’26) analyzed factors in railroad accidents.
• Logan Potts (’26) studied rolling motion using a video-based system.
• Amber Wu (’26) discussed heritage language pressures in sociology.

“This event allowed students to present their findings and connect with other young scientists,” said Sam Earls, Assistant Director of Academic Services at The Gatton Academy. “Thanks to everyone who made this opportunity possible.”

The Kentucky Academy of Science, founded in 1914, unites scientists to share research and empower local communities through education and outreach.