Sophomore's research tops national competition
Dervedia Thomas
Issue date: 3/9/10 Section: News
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The Knoxville, Tenn. native received a plaque and will receive a cash award of $500 for presenting a research project entitled "Organic Scintillators for the Detection of Thermo Neutrons." His presentation was based on a multi-university research project, "Synthesis of Boron-Loaded Organic Scintillators for Homeland Security Purpose." The study's findings will aid the advancement of homeland security by helping professionals in the field better detect nuclear weapons.
Dr. Zheng Chang, visiting associate professor of radio chemistry at SC State, is leading the University's research efforts for the project along with colleagues from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Dr. Laurence Miller, professor of nuclear engineering; Dr. George E. Schweitzer, professor of chemistry; and Dr. Indraneel Sen, post-doctoral research scholar.
Childs, a radio chemistry major, said the win proves that hard work has its reward. "I'm glad I won. There were a lot of presentations of great caliber that were presented at the conference," said Childs. It's great to know I'm on the right path to building my career [in radio chemistry]. It's good to know I'm doing something right," he continued.
Childs joins several other SC State students who garnered top honors since 2005, the first year the University began participating in the PAWC oral and poster presentation competitions.
"The award-winning legacy of our students at the PAWC reflects the exceptional talent and academic excellence that SC State students demonstrate in and out the classroom," said Dr. Christopher C. Mathis Jr., research associate for 1890 Research and advisor to conference participants.
For Childs, however, the experience was a valuable learning opportunity that will become the springboard for his future aspirations.
"Oftentimes, undergraduates don't have the opportunity to work with such ground breaking research. I am glad to have had this experience while pursing my baccalaureate degree, and I am confident that what I gained from this opportunity will be useful when I conduct my post-baccalaureate work," said Childs.
Several SC State faculty, staff and one other student presented or competed at the conference. Dr. Mathis and Shobha Choudhari, 1890 Research statistician, presented "Distribution of the Free and Reduced Lunch Participation By Hispanics in Pee-Dee and Coastal Regions of South Carolina During the Period of 2000-2003."
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