CAST Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Annual Report - Center for Advanced ...

In the 2-day training, the Educational Talent
Search students were shown some of the
equipment available through CAST within the
context of how they are used in research.
These included the Optech ILRIS-3D Laser
Scanner and the Trimble 5700/5800 GPS
receivers.
The students worked through a project utilizing
GIS and GPS in order to create a map and 3D
flyover of the University of Arkansas campus.
Five groups of three students were sent on a
GPS Treasure hunt to locate important features
of the campus such as fountains, statues, and
the Senior Walk. While finding these features,
the students learned the basics of GPS data
collecting. After the students had collected the
campus data, they transferred it onto the
computer to learn some GIS techniques to
complete their map of the University.
Subsequently they added the GPS data and
aerial photographs into ESRI’s 3D GIS software
ArcScene to create a virtual 3D flyover of the
campus. This was presented by the students to
their parents and other Educational Talent
Search students and staff at the end of session
presentation. CAST people involved included
Fiona Trewby, Malcolm Williamson, Paxton
Roberts, Julia Danz, Jack Cothren, Angelia
Smith and Snow Winters.
was Luis' third summer of involvement with
Upward Bound, and he has demonstrated strong
interest and capability in computer-related fields.
CAST was able to pair him up with Dr. Jason
Tullis and an undergraduate researcher working
on a very unique remote-sensing project,
Searching for Sinkholes on Mars Using Mars
Orbiting Imagery.
The overall objectives of the Summer Research
Experience include:
• Developing an understanding of and
participating in the process of scientific
inquiry.
• Learning how to accurately measure
and document empirical data.
• Learning how to gather, organize, and
present data in a systematic way.
• Becoming aware of the characteristics
and preparation necessary to become a
professional scientist.
Luis' experience this summer has certainly given
him an excellent perspective on the skills,
education, and discipline necessary to become
successful in the field of remote-sensing. CAST
looks forward to hosting more Upward Bound
students in coming years for Summer Research
Experiences.
ANIMATION EDUCATION.
With growing interest in animation, especially
gaming animation, more students are interested
in education in this area. We've seen this
interest in our EAST interns and from inquiries
from the general student population at U of A
and have begun development of a certification
for animation education. Along with the
departments of Math, Computer Science,
Computer Engineering, Classics, Drama, and
Art, an initial course structure has been
developed. This curriculum would build on the
student courses in the above areas and require
them to take additional courses from other areas
to give them a well rounded understanding of
animation development, design, and use.
UPWARD BOUND ACADEMY.
CAST collaborated with the University's Upward
Bound Academy for Mathematics and Sciences
to host high school junior Luis Malfavon for an
intensive hands-on research experience. This
UNIVERSITY REU STUDENTS.
The University of Arkansas is one of several
National Science Foundations sites hosting
undergraduate students participating in the
Research Experiences for Undergraduates
(REU) program. This program supports active
research participation by undergraduate
students in any of the areas of research funded
by the National Science Foundation. REU
projects involve students in meaningful ways in
ongoing research programs or in research
projects designed especially for the purpose.
During the summer of 2005, the Center for
Advanced Spatial Technologies, provided
research experiences for three of these visiting
students, two geology students and one
computer science student. The three projects
are described below.
Getting the Next Generation Involved: Land Use
Analysis of a Vital Watershed. REU Student:
Adam Consentino, Augustana University,
Geology. Northwest Arkansas is undergoing
one of the fastest growth rates of any area in the
24 CENTER FOR ADVANCED SPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES