While many students and teachers were enjoying the last of their summer break before the start of school, Randall Lee Hayslip of Seaman joined 39 other exceptional high school students and four teachers from across the United States and eight other countries for two weeks of participation in hands-on research focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

A North Adams High School junior and science student Hayslip was recently chosen from an internationally competitive field of students to attend a two-week, all-expenses-paid 2015 Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI) in Edgewood, Md. during the summer of 2015. The two-week institute was held from July 18- 31, at the Edgewood and at research facilities around that area.

At the Joint Science and Technology Institute for Students, participants take part in research projects mentored by Department of Defense research scientists. The purpose of the program is to expose students to scientific research through hands-on projects, to enable students to work with real-world scientists, and to increase students’ awareness of career opportunities in related fields.

Students attending the institute came from the United States and the countries of Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Of the students selected from the United States of America, Hayslip was the the only one chosen from Ohio.

Randall’s group research project was entitled “Modeling Fearsome Things”. For this project, students were introduced to math modeling used by Operations Research (OR) analysts when making predictions and assessments for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)hazards or incidents. Probability, statistics, toxicology modeling, and a model for disease propagation were presented to the project members. Then a simulation is introduced allowing students to investigate how various pathogen parameters and countermeasures impact the worldwide spread of a contagion.

The second phase of Randall’s group project introduced the math and science behind coordinate systems, navigation (including GPS), meteorology, and simplified atmospheric transport and dispersion of pollutants and hazards. Project participants used the Hazard Prediction and Assessment Capability (HPAC) simulation from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to examine what might happen from various kinds of CBRN releases at locations of personal interest to the students. Rounding out the institute experience were introductions to various methods for individual protection from CBRN hazards, computing hardware, binary math, and tours of test facilities for aerosols and protective masks/filters.

The finale of the Joint Science and Technology Institute was a Recognition Ceremony in which students and teachers presented the results of their research experiences. Opening remarks were provided by COL Timothy Greenhaw, Deputy Director, CBTD-DTRA, and Andy Page, President and CEO of ORAU. The keynote address was provided by William King V, Senior Engineer, Quentus Technologies, Inc. In attendance were military and laboratory officials, mentors, families and friends.

Hayslip says that after his two weeks in residence at JSTI, he is focused on a future career in science or technology. And because of the experience at JSTI, the future may hold even larger opportunities for Randall in the summer of 2016 and beyond. For more information about JSTI, visit https://www.orau.org/center-for-science-education/events/jsti/default.html.

Randall Hayslip II is the son of Randall Hayslip of Felicity and Amanda Hayslip of Seaman, grandparents Gilbert and Dodie Dorton Parker of West Union, Jan Jones of Seaman, Debbie Hayslip of Hillsboro, and Clarence Hayslip, Jr. of Cherry Fork, and great-grandmothers Nellie Hayslip of Cherry Fork and Wilma Parker of Williamsburg.

Randall Hayslip, a junior at North Adams High School, was the only Ohio student chosen to be part of the 2015 Joint Science and Technology Institute. Hayslip is seventh from the left in the back row of this group photo.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Hayslip.jpgRandall Hayslip, a junior at North Adams High School, was the only Ohio student chosen to be part of the 2015 Joint Science and Technology Institute. Hayslip is seventh from the left in the back row of this group photo.

Randall Hayslip, right, is pictured here with Mr. Dale Taylor, Program Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Hayslip2.jpgRandall Hayslip, right, is pictured here with Mr. Dale Taylor, Program Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Submitted photo
Two-week program in Maryland highlights scientific research opportunities through hands-on projects

Staff Report