Students present at NASA Science and Technology Research Jamboree

Students from The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) presented their research at NASA's 8th Annual Science and Technology Research Jamboree on Friday, Dec. 12.

The event was held at UAH's National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in Cramer Hall.

The Jamboree gives scientists, technologists, students, educators and researchers an informal setting to share their research and to find out what other members of the science and technology community are doing.

Top researchers from UAH's colleges and independent research centers join those from NASA, NOAA, local industry and elsewhere at the NSSTC to present topics spanning a wide spectrum including astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, planetary science, technology, space policy, budgetary outlook, NASA direction, human space flight and related areas.

Dr. Melissa McGrath, chief scientist in the Science & Technology Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, has organized the Jamboree annually since 2007. The event is a fast-paced, lighthearted look at some very serious research. Presenters can use only one slide, and are given a two-minute time limit to talk about their work. At the two-minute mark, Dr. McGrath rings the jingle bells, gives time for one quick question, and then the next speaker is up and the clock starts again.

"Students are welcome to participate in this yearly event, and it's really an excellent opportunity for them to share their research while learning about the very latest advancements in a wide variety of fields," says Dave Cook, coordinator of student research programs for the Office of Academic Affairs. "These events always spark a lot of interdisciplinary and collaborative conversations between very intelligent people. It's the perfect environment for students to learn and contribute their unique perspectives."

By the end, nearly 50 speakers had the opportunity to brief the audience on their work in the span of just 2-1/2 hours. An informal potluck event followed where presenters and attendees had a chance to discuss many of the day's interesting ideas. 

UAH students presenting this year included:

• Danielle Gurgew, physics sophomore, "X-ray Reflectometer System";
• Qiana Hunt, physics senior, "Instability of Particle Acceleration in Relativistic Jets";
• Lilia Bullock, nursing senior, "The Effect of Golden Pothos (Epipremnum pinnarium) in reducing the level of volatile organic compounds in a ground-based simulated spacecraft cabin at NASA Marshal Space Flight Center";
• Tony Cole, Earth system science graduate student, "Detection of Power Outages and Recovery Following Natural Disasters: The Chilean Earthquake of April 1, 2014"

---