ARCS Foundation, Metro Washington Chapter (MWC) March 2023 Newsletter |
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Dear fellow MWC members –
As always, please send us items that you would like to see included in this newsletter. For each newsletter edition, we welcome your input by the 15th of every month for inclusion in our publication at the start of the month. Simply send your news to mwccommunications@arcsfoundation.org. Be sure to include pictures, pdfs and website links.
Best regards,
ARCS/MWC Communications
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Did you get your tickets for our ARCS-MWC Eagle Award Celebration that will be held on Weds, Mar 29 at 6:30 pm? Electronic invitations were sent on Feb 21, and paper invitations should arrive shortly. Click here for more info and to register.
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Let's extend our warmest welcome to Chi Pham who recently joined our MWC chapter.
Originally from South Vietnam, Chi escaped Vietnam in April 1975 after the war ended and the country fell to communism. She and her family moved to the Washington, DC area in September 1975 after spending time in refugee camps. She believes that higher education is extremely important and key to improving the world.
Chi spent most of her professional career in the STEM field and is committed to our mission of sponsoring STEM scholars. She graduated with honors from George Mason University in 1988, earning a degree in computer science. She first worked as a software developer at American Management Systems Inc. in the state, local government and education industry. She became a team lead and principal managing teams of developers and testers on a Student Information Systems software used at many colleges and universities. Chi then worked as a senior software engineer for Gannett, now Tegna Inc., in their information technology (IT) department, working on computer systems used for newspaper circulation, customer relationship and marketing. Next, she worked at CGI Inc., a large global IT and consulting services company, where she was a director in the legal department and was responsible for protecting the company’s intellectual property. She worked with software engineers to file and prosecute patents and copyrights and with business leaders and management to protect the company brands and trademarks. She was a technical and legal expert in the area of open source software and advised software solution teams on compliance and risk.
Chi supported the many activities of her children when they were in school. She served Langley High School Orchestra Board for 10 years where she worked in different committees including photography, membership, silent auction, fundraising and hospitality. She was also part of the Langley Crew Board for 3 years as the hospitality lead to help organize team events such as regattas, erg competitions, fundraisers, recruitment events, team practices, and field trips.
She has also volunteered with community service organizations, including Make-a-Wish Foundation, Wounded Warriors and Hope for Tomorrow. Chi started a local neighborhood organization to encourage families to learn about Vietnamese culture, language and customs, and this group has regular meetings throughout the year.
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winter member meeting recap |
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On Sat, Feb 25 at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, DC, ARCS-MWC held a successful and very inspiring Winter Membership Meeting and Luncheon. The event drew 37 attendees, including several guests and five scholars:
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Micaila D.E. Curtis, Danaher Corporation Scholar, 1st year scholar, PhD Candidate in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Georgetown University
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Mark Iskarous, Forster Family Foundation Scholar, 1st year scholar, PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University
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Patrick M. Keating, Dr. Jean K. Boek Memorial Scholar, 1st year scholar, PhD Candidate in Biochemistry from University of Maryland
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Ryan O'Hara, McNichols Family Foundation Scholar, 1st year scholar, PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University
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Martin Ritter, ARCS-MWC Endowment Scholar, 1st Year Scholar, PhD Candidate in Physics from University of Maryland
The event began with a business meeting and delicious lunch, followed by our keynote speaker, Dr. June Scobee Rodgers. She is the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Richard “Dick” Scobee and the founding chair of Challenger Center. Dr. Rodgers is also the 1993 recipient of our ARCS-MWC Eagle Award.
She spoke about "Boldness in Spaceflight and in Education," combining two topics of intense interest to both the Challenger Center and our chapter. She spoke of her journey through life, especially after the Challenger tragedy. Dr. Rodgers and Dr. Lance Bush, the President and CEO of the Challenger Center, then answered questions from the audience about the center.
As noted on the Challenger Center's website: "Founded in 1986, Challenger Center is a STEM education organization created to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51L: Dick Scobee, Gregory Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, and Michael J. Smith. Challenger Center has a network of more than 40 Challenger Learning Centers around the globe that educate students using space-themed simulated learning environments. Challenger Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization."
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Devin D. Palmer – Mars Foundation Scholar
2nd year scholar, PhD Candidate in Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience from
Georgetown University
Research:
Devin’s research aims to understand the “road map” by which seizures spread in the brain. Using high spatial and temporal resolution methods, I will record, target and manipulate neuronal activity within defined regions of the brain to influence seizure initiation, propagation and cessation.
Describe the expected benefit of your research to society:
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic conditions, effecting more than 1% of the population. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy at some point in their life. While pharmacotherapy is successful in most, of the 1% of patients with epilepsy, over 1/3 have seizures that go uncontrolled. Thus, new approaches to treatment are necessary. In efforts to increase the viability and efficacy of new treatment approaches, current research seeks to characterize neuronal activation patterns within regions that influence seizure propagation and severity. My research aims to determine the neural signature of seizure activity at the single-unit level with an ultimate goal of constructing a viable framework for translational DBS targets. As research continues to build a more precise map of the regions and cells influencing seizure susceptibility, the implications these findings could have on future epilepsy therapies leave me both intrigued and inspired to investigate these mechanisms. Ultimately, I intend for my research to impact the expansion and success of new therapeutic techniques for the treatment of epilepsy.
Career objectives:
My long-term career goal is to become an independent scientist in epilepsy research at an academic research institution. I aim to continue to build my knowledge and expertise in epilepsy research and search for ways to use preclinical science to push translational boundaries. Overall, I would like for a majority of my time as a neuroscientist to be comprised of both basic and translational research. With nearly 8 years of experience investigating seizure properties from a cellular, molecular, behavioral and system perspective, I have gained a wide range of skills and matured in my abilities to evaluate, design and perform relevant research. One of the most influential components in my growth as a scientist has been the overwhelming support and communicative engagement I have received from my mentors, peers and foundations such as ARCS. Without the guidance of all of my advisors, the willingness of the countless technicians to teach me an assay or technique, or the supportive engagement of interactive scholarships and foundations, I would not be in the position I am in today. Ultimately, I am excited to
pass these experiences on to new scientists, and I intend to pursue a career that will allow me to do so.
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Catherine E. “Katya” Mikhailova – Toni and Hans Schierling Undergraduate Scholar
1st year Scholar, Majoring in Physics and Computer Science from
University of Virginia
Research:
Katya’s research in physics, studies ultra-cold atom clouds created using a magnetic chip trap in space located on the ISS by configuring the trap parameters and analyzing the remote images of the atoms to eventually help create an atom interferometer in space
Describe the expected benefit of your research to society:
Most current research of ultra-cold atoms is constrained by the impact of gravity and other forces experienced on earth. Studying these ultra-cold atoms provides unprecedented accuracy for studying gravity and can be used for a variety of applications most of which involve precision measurements. By having the atoms in space, we can create a supersensitive tool that is not affected by gravity, and this allows for easier creation of the ultra-cold atom clouds and even more precision. A goal of my research is to create an atom interferometer which can be used for precise navigation systems by detecting movement such as rotation or acceleration. Other applications for the atoms in space include high-precision atomic clocks which can significantly improve GPS navigation accuracy. The findings and tools created in space from the ultra-cold atoms can be used to improve tools on earth.
Career objectives:
After completing my undergraduate education, my plan is to attend graduate school for physics and obtain a Ph.D. I have had the opportunity to work as a grader and TA, and I have discovered a love for teaching other students. Because of my love for research and teaching, I want to stay in academia after graduate school to become a professor.
Indicate how an ARCS award benefits your research:
This scholarship would give me the financial freedom to focus more of my time and energy on research. I would also be able to attend more scientific conferences to present my work and view other’s work because I know that it is a very important part of staying up to date on what is going on in physics now. I have been juggling school, work, and research which can be challenging at times, and, while I have enjoyed my work as a grader and TA tremendously and feel lucky to have those experiences, I want to focus on my research especially since research is very important when applying to grad schools which I will be doing during next year. Another reason why I want to focus more on research is that I noticed during my summer research experience that even a few more hours in the lab can greatly increase my productivity and quality of work. Further, receiving this scholarship would be incredibly gratifying because I believe it would solidify the confidence I have in myself to continue pursuing physics. It will mean that my effort in school, work, and research is something worth recognizing.
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Activities: Save the Date! We will host a social luncheon on Apr 26 from 12-2:30 pm at Riverbend Country Club. Owner Bryce of Enso Jewelers and Engravers in Chantilly, VA will demonstrate his workmanship and his fine jewels for us to share. We will have a drawing for one of his pieces that one of our lucky members will get to take home at no charge. Members, guests and potential members are welcome. Watch this space and your email for more info.
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Allocations and Endowment: The councils have approved 13 PhD scholars and at least one undergrad scholar for the 2023-24 academic year. Specifically, the financial committee has recommended 10 scholar awards. The allocations committee has unanimously allocated two chapter awards to each of our five partner universities. The endowment award selection committee has completed its deliberations and selected three endowment scholars.
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Membership: Long-time members, new members and prospective members gathered at Julie Hohl’s home for a membership coffee on Valentines Day. The coffee was festive with lots of pink and red and heart shaped goodies. All the attendees enjoyed writing Valentine’s to our ARCS MWC members who we have been missing – sending notes with best wishes of “ARCS loves you.”
The next membership council meeting will be held at Julie Hohl’s home on Mar 3 at 7pm. All members are welcome to join our council meeting as we talk about recruitment, retention and engagement.
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Nominating: The nominating committee held its first meeting and is off to a good start, soliciting candidates to fill the positions of President, Treasurer, Secretary, VPs of Administration, Finance, and Activities. The committee welcomes all members to apply for the positions. Interested? Contact Patty Sparrell at ptsparrell@gmail.com.
The roster with a candidate slate will be issued to all members in early April. This occurs at least 45 days in advance of the May 18 Annual Membership Meeting where the vote will be taken and the new leaders installed.
We want to get to know our members better, so we are asking members to complete a skills and interest survey. We handed it out at the Feb 25 Winter Membership Meeting and Luncheon, and we'll also be sending it via email. Watch your email for it and please fill it out.
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University Relations: The university relations committee will be sending out scholar application packets to our partner universities. Deadline for submission is Mar 30.
We are also scheduling visits with our partner universities. The Johns Hopkins University visit will be in-person on Apr 17. University of Virginia, Georgetown University and George Washington University will be virtual. Watch for details.
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Mar 3: Membership Council meeting, 7pm
Mar 29: Eagle Award, 6:30pm
Apr 26: Social Luncheon, Riverbend Country Club
May 18: Annual Membership Meeting
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P.O. Box 60868
10221 River Road
Potomac, MD 20859-0868
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