FrontiersofScienceInstitute(FSI)

Mathematics&ScienceTeaching(MAST)Institute

Recommendationfor

StevenCromer

WrittenbyRebeccaKipf
Earth&AtmosphericScienceInstructorandAdvisor
FrontiersofScienceInstitute(FSI)2015

This letter of recommendation for Steven Cromer is based completely on the interaction between
Steven and theFSIstaffduringthe2015FrontiersofScienceInstitute.ThisletterwilldiscussStevens
abilities in science, college life, and his ability to conduct meaningful and positive relationships with
his instructors andpeers.FSIisanintensive,sixweek programthatcorrelatescloselytocollegeinthat
it places students in a residence hall, requires them to attend rigorous classes and complete indepth
researchinoneofseveralsciencefields.Studentsareselectedforthisprogrambasedontheiracademic
performance at their respective high schools, test scores, responses to essay questions and
recommendations from their high school faculty and staff. Theymustdemonstrateastrongaptitudein
math and science and the potential to excel in a demanding research environment among high
achievingpeers.
Exposed to curricula encompassingcurrentfrontiersofscience,studentsinFSIare expectedtoassume
both the roles ofcollegestudentsandbuddingresearchscientists.Courseworkandlaboratoryactivities
in the areas of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology,
and All About STEMGuest Lectures made up the 2015 FSI curricula. As part of those curricula,
students attend seminars by professional research scientists, participate in industrial visitations, and
take a variety of educational field trips. Outdoor education is also heavily emphasized, requiring
students to actively engage in demonstrative learning activities in environmental education while on
teambuilding, fieldbased instructional camping trips to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Swift
Ponds. Most importantly, the students conduct collegiate levelresearchintheirprimaryscientificfield
of interest under the supervision and guidance ofuniversityprofessorsandgraduatestudents.Indoing
so, FSI students develop a literature review, research paper, website, conferencegrade scientific
poster,andprofessionalmultimediapresentation.
Academic Productivity and Potential:
Stevenis aconscientiousstudentwithastrongdesiretolearn.
He asks smart questions, is very detail oriented, and puts forth effort into doing his best work by
utilizing strong problem solving skills. Steven is also a natural leader. He works well with other
studentsandisnotafraidtotaketheleadinordertogetthejobdone.
Ross1210,
CAMPUSBOX
123,
GREELEY,CO80639

Office
9703512976
Fax
9703511269http://mast.unco.edu/fsi

StevenCromerPagetwo
Forhisresearchproject,StevenworkedwithtwootherFSIstudentsonaprojectwithinUNCsPhysics
Department. The project was part of a NASA investigation into the effects of radiation on carbon
nanotubes. This project required the students to gain a basic knowledge about carbon nanotubes and
their uses. The main body of the project involved the construction of a box to carry scientific
instruments to test the nanotubes that wouldbecarriedbyaweatherballoon.Stevenworked diligently
on the design, construction, and testing of the box. He worked hard anddefinitelyplayedaleadership
role in his group. Stevendemonstratedwellthought outexperimentaldesignandscientifictechniques.
His paper was well written and it was obvious that he had put a lot ofthoughtandworkintoitbefore
he turned in each draft. He took constructive criticism well and obviously wanted to sharpen his
writingskills.
Personal and Social Attributes: Steven is a very confident young man. During his time at FSI, he
was definitely a leader amonghispeers.Hehasanoutgoingpersonalityandaclearideaofwhereheis
going. He was respectful of others and willing to help out when he was asked. His leadership skills
allowed other students to feel more confident and to work together. I feel that he was one of the
outstandingparticipantsofthe2015summer.
Suggestions for Success: Steven has a bright future and much to offer the world of STEM. I
encouragehimtoseek opportunitiestofurtherdevelopandusehisleadershipskills.Stevenwillremain
successful ifhecontinuestocultivate hiscurrentskillset.Heisnotparticularlylackinginanyonearea
and therefore, as he continues to develop his talents, will benefit from rounded improvement taking
care not to neglect any one. This is as opposed to working on aspecificneedareathatcouldbeeasier
to target and emphasize. Steven should broadenhisknowledgeinasmanySTEMsubjectsaspossible.
With his impressive academic abilities, he has many paths to choose from. He has a great interest in
science, and together with his outstanding drive and selfdirection, he will achieve any academic and
careergoalhechoosestosetforhimself.Steveniswellonhiswaytoreachinghispotential.
Ratings:
Ratings are based on an advanced scientific curriculum comparable to
freshman/sophomorelevel college work. Students had the option to take the FSI course for UNC
college credit. If takingthecourseforcredit,studentswereassignedalettergrade. Ifnot,eachstudent
was given a rating of poor, good, excellent, or superior. Steven received the letter grade A for the
FSIcourseexceedingexpectationsinallacademicareas.

SubmittedonNovember4,2015by:

LoriK.Ball
DirectorFSI

Ross1210,
CAMPUSBOX
123,
GREELEY,CO80639

Office
9703512976
Fax
9703511269http://mast.unco.edu/fsi