2012 Upward Bound and Math/Science Initiative Project | University of Wyoming

July 30, 2012 — The Upward Bound and Math/Science Initiative Project (MSIP) were developed as college preparatory programs funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Education.  Eligible students are provided program services at no cost to prepare them for successful entry into college.  Programs are available in a wide variety of research areas including; ecology, biomechanics, forensic anthropology, forest management, and computer engineering.

Representatives for the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) during the 2012 program taught classes and mentored students throughout the 6 week program.  These undergraduate and graduate students included Graham Barrett, Rob Streeter, and John Davis. 

Graham Barrett is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering after having already completed his B.S. and M.S of Kinesiology and Biomechanics, both at the University of Wyoming.

 “This was my third summer serving as a mentor in the Upward Bound Program.  Throughout the program I have the opportunity to teach and introduce students to various topics related to biomechanics.  In addition to teaching, I also assist in guiding students through a research topic of their choice related to their field.”

Rob Streeter is currently pursuing his M.S. of Electrical Engineering having already earned his B.S. in Computer and Electrical Engineering from UW in 2011.  He is also currently serving as a graduate research assistant. 

 “I taught an introductory class, based heavily on computer engineering, and also facilitated numerous research topics in computer engineering.  Students in my course learned about binary logic, logic gates, circuit prototyping, and engineering analysis, all students had the opportunity to build and test circuits, and one student went on to build a line following robot from a kit.  All of the students gained appreciation, and for a few, a keen interest in engineering.  I thoroughly enjoyed my teaching and mentoring experience, reaffirming my desire to pursue a career in academia as a professor.”

John Davis is currently pursuing his PhD in Electrical Engineering and will also be providing his services to the CEAS Center for Student Services beginning in August of 2012.  He earned his M.S. of Electrical Engineering at UW in 2004 and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 2000.

 “I served as the instructor for the MSIP Upward Bound courses in physics and advanced math.  The physics course was structured around the concept of waves and incorporated a number of hands on experiments designed to excite students including a day spent learning about reflections and interference with the classic toy Slinky and the construction of one string electric guitars demonstrating the same conversion of waveforms from the string, through the pickup, and into the speaker.  Other projects included constructing small DC electric motors to learn about electromagnetism, and doing a motion capture study to learn about kinematics.  The advanced math course focused on analytic geometry and its connections to trigonometry.  For example, students learned how trigonometric functions can be used to draw circles, ellipses, and spirals.  The class focused on making connections between algebraic and geometric aspects of math, and how to use reasoning rather than memory to solve problems.”

The goals of the Upward Bound and MSIP Programs are to raise high school GPAs to a level consistent with college entry, prepare students for successful application and entry into college, help students and families pursue federal financial aid and other sources of funding for college, and increase the number of first-generation and low-income students earning a college degree. 

For complete information on the Upward Bound and Math/Science Initiative Program please visit their website found at: www.uwyo.edu/seo/upward-bound/index.html

Photo (Left to Right): John Davis, Rob Streeter, Graham Barrett

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