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Six ambitious and gifted Native American teenagers took part in the Oneida Nation/Hamilton College Summer Science Program July 8 - 19.  Over the two-week period these students conducted research in psychology, microbiology and chemistry.  

Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Chemistry Tim Elgren started the program three years ago.  Elgren said that he wanted to give Native American teenagers the opportunity to experience higher education.  

M.J Shenandoah, 16, of Oneida, and Bethany Davis, 15, of Syracuse, worked for director of the electron microscopy facility Kenneth Bart.  The group used an electron microscope to measure the effect that buckyballs have on the bacteria that causes staph infections.  The students had never used a machine like the quarter-million dollar electron microscope found in the electron microscopy center, and were excited to use this technology, gaining valuable research experience.  "We have had a great time this week, they have a nice personalities and area pleasure to work with," said Bart in reference to his students.  

The students were nominated for the program, submitted an application, submitted letters of recommendation and were selected.  On July 30 the six students will present posters to the tribes councilmen and clan mothers.

Will Kuhl, a Chittenango junior, and Justin Brant, a senior from Stockbridge Central School, worked with Professor of Chemistry Karen Brewer.  The group worked with Ferrofluids, measuring different ratios of reactants to determine which had the highest magnetic properties.  Brewer said she "doesn't even know the answer, which makes this real research, that is great."  

Will's sister, Amanda, participated in the psychology seminar with Kateri Whitebean of Fabius Pompey High School, under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Psychology Julie Dunsmore.  The students studied the effective social competence of four year olds to see how they made friendships, behaved in a social setting and interacted with other kids their same age.  

The students left the hill on Friday with a valuable research experience and new knowledge of their research areas. 

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