Up Front: Fall 2013

What’s your MUSE? See what these readers had to say.…

In classical mythology, the Muses were the source of all knowledge pertaining to the arts and sciences, and throughout the ages, these goddesses have served as a wellspring of inspiration for the great thinkers and creators.

At TCNJ, MUSE is short for Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience—an intensive, eight-week program during which students and faculty collaborate on scholarly and creative projects. It, too, inspires new learning and creativity in a multitude of disciplines by giving TCNJ students—including these 2013 MUSE participants—the opportunity to work in close, mentored collaboration with the College’s teacher-scholars.

Faculty-student scholarly and creative collaborative activities are a hallmark of the educational experience at TCNJ, providing powerful learning experiences that prepare undergraduates for graduate work or professional endeavors. Click here to learn more.

What’s your MUSE?

: I study cell division—more specifically, tubulin glutamylation in C. elegans —Jessica Lee ’15

: I’m helping to create a documentary film that showcases the production of a play by Trenton youth —Joshua Lewkowicz ’15

: I’m studying the impact of mechanical strain on the differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells into tendon cells. —Christina Rabolli ’15

: I’m comparing the physiological benefits of running and lifting combined workouts to popular metabolic running programs —Matthew Wells ’15

: I’m studying population genetics of the threatened freshwater mussel species Lampsilis cariosa for conservation. —Meaghan Ly ’14

: I’m investigating the underlying neural mechanisms of respiratory function in genetically engineered serotonin-deficient Pet-1 knockout mice —Renuka Reddy ’15

: I’m studying how a plant group evolved using a region of their DNA known as microsatellites —Syndi Barish ’16

: I’m using mathematical equations to model tumor growth and invasion based on the surrounding blood vessels –Jessica Perez ’15

: I’m analyzing how the New Jersey education system is addressing the rise in autism rates. —Nick Malmi ’14

: I’m researching the factors that influence certain theories in memory and aging —Kim Newberry ’14

: I’m analyzing satellite telescope data to study how active galaxies vary in brightness over time —Mitchell Revalski ’14

: I’m studying how environmental effects on development alter the expression of genetic variation in threespine stickleback fish —Sadia Tahir ’14

: I’m developing a device for monitoring the state of the power grid —Tim Nugent ’14

: I’m reading and analyzing racism and its physical and psychological effects in American literature. —Samantha Pena ’14

: I’m examining the effects someone’s emotions have on their choice of food —Noelle Calvello ’14

Posted on September 10, 2013