 They are the physics research project Dynamic Duo. Although they do not fly or wear capes, Dr. Garvin Wattuhewa and Dr. Donald Wheeler do, in fact, go leaps-and-bounds beyond ordinary classroom duties, inspiring their students with elaborate research projects that rival some college programs. “The ability to study physical phenomena, analyze it, and report your findings is the basis for careers in science, engineering, medicine, and other technology fields of study,” says Wattuhewa. “It is my belief that mentoring students in the design of scientific instruments and their usage will help them in their college studies and beyond.” Here is a sampling of some of the projects that Dr. Wattuhewa and Dr. Wheeler have sponsored at ASMS: Anti-landmine robot: With funding from an MIT-Lemmelson grant, physics students built an anti-landmine robot from the chassis of a Fisher-Price Power Wheels Jeep and presented their findings to a panel at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Six-Legged Robot: Students constructed a robot that could walk from one point to another using GPS navigation. Shoe Measure: Students built an automated shoe size measurer that used sonar scans of the foot to display the shoe size on an LCD display. Little League Help: Students constructed a device to measure the effectiveness of the hitters grip on a baseball bat during the swinging process. The device is used in Tuscaloosa to train little league hitters. Poison Gas: In cooperation with Berkley (Calif.) Physics Lab, students monitored radon concentration throughout the state of Alabama. Mobile Bay Salt Study: With the assistance of a Toyota Tapestry Grant, student researchers observed the salinity of Mobile Bay using data buoys that were constructed in class. Students compared their findings to a 20-year-old government study to observe the environmental impact of human development on the ecosystem. SIDS Monitor: Students built a monitor to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The device alerts parents when a baby’s regular breathing pattern is interrupted. Car Rack Monitor: Using an infrared scanner, students built a device that alerts a driver when a roof-mounted bike rack is close to colliding with low-hanging objects.
|