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Alexander J. McBride
2 Penny Lane Medford, NJ 08055
T: 856-938-8354 E: Alexjmcbride@gmail.com
Objective
Experience
Work in a scientific research laboratory setting, and apply an innovative problem solving
perspective to a company. Accumulate hands-on experience, and electrochemical knowledge,
while assisting and contributing to a research project.
Natural Polymers and Photonics Laboratory – Drexel University
4/16/2011- 9/01/12
In this laboratory, I synthesized various sized and shaped metal nanoparticles. Additionally, I
fabricated polymer electrolytes for my dye-sensitized solar cells. The equipment I utilized in this
laboratory include: UV-Vis spectrometer, ellipsometer, spin coater, digital scale, centrifuge, hot
plate with magnetic stir capability, and standard fume hood operation.
Thin Film and Devices Laboratory – Drexel University
9/01/2011-9/01/12
This is the laboratory where I fabricated and tested my dye-sensitized and quantum dot sensitized
solar cells. The scientific instruments I utilized were: Gamry reference potentiostat, solar simulator,
100 watt xenon solar simulator, and a Thermo Scientific temperature controlled water bath system,
Sensor and Functional Materials Group – Drexel University
7/04/2012-Present
In this laboratory I synthesized various quantum dots for solar cell testing. As these were aqueous
QDs, I only utilized basic laboratory equipment (pipettes, digital balance etc.). Additionally, I used
a successive ionic layer absorption and reaction method to infiltrate the quantum dots into
mesoporous TiO2 (solar cell) electrodes.
Education
Burlington County College (BCC)
5/20/2010-Present
Ever since the summer of my sophomore year, I have taken classes at BCC. Initially, I began taking
BCC classes because I needed science labs. As I am homeschooled, there is no school “lab”. In
2011, I won a full tuition scholarship to BCC and began taking upper level science and math
classes there (as dual high school and college credit).
Homeschooled – Self Educated
10/11/1994-Present
From elementary school to high school, I have been homeschooled my entire life. This has allowed
me to proceed with my education faster than most public and private schooled students. I am
primarily interested in the physical sciences and mathematics.
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Additional Information
Past Research Project Descriptions
2006-2007, Sixth Grade:
In 2006, awareness about solar energy, and photovoltaic cells, was just gaining public recognition. This project introduced me to the
developing world of photovoltaic devices (i.e. solar cells), and was my first venture into light collection by solar cells. This project
focused on the construction of a small solar powered vehicle. A spotlight-illuminated track simulated the sun, and allowed for a
controlled testing environment. Reinforced aluminum foil reflectors were attached to the solar car. When sunlight struck the reflectors,
they redirected the light onto the surface of the solar cell, thereby increasing energy production. However, introducing reflectors onto
a solar vehicle increases the amount of air drag on the vehicle. By manipulating the sizes of the reflectors, an optimal sized reflector
was discovered to maximum energy production, without introducing significant drag. No study had previously examination reflector’s
effect on solar vehicles. Background research for this project examined basic electrochemistry behind solar cell operation, electric
motor operation, and some of the fundamental theories about light.
2007-2008, Seventh Grade:
This project continued integrating alternative energy into vehicles. Fuel Cell technology, first developed by NASA in the early 1960s,
was being examined for transportation applications. In the hybrid built for this project, on board solar panels converted sunlight into
electrical energy. This electricity was used in on board water electrolysis to split water into its basic elements: oxygen and hydrogen.
This process occurred both while the vehicle was parked and while it was operating. By recombining the oxygen and hydrogen into
water, a PEM fuel cell was used to produce electricity, and power an onboard electric motor. The actual experiment involved adding
wind turbines to this hybrid. When the vehicle was in motion, wind turbine blades spun, helping produce electricity for water
electrolysis. At the time, this was an extremely complex endeavor for me, and as a result, I spent hundreds of hours on just
background research for this project. This studying focused on proton exchange membrane fuel cells, wind turbines, electric
generators, and water electrolysis. Through this research, I learned about Faraday’s electromechanical rules, governing both electric
motors and generators, and learned about redox reactions; these reduction/oxidation reactions constantly occur within fuel cell and
water electrolysis reactions.
It should be noted that all materials for this experiment, were ether obtained free from generous companies, or bought using funds
from my previous project’s winnings. This is a common trend throughout all of my projects. When I do not have a necessary part,
instead of attempting to purchases the item, I first contact the various companies that manufacture the product. After explaining my
situation, nine times out of ten, companies were willing to donate material for my project. Asking is a powerful tool.
2008-2009, Eight Grade:
Stepping away from solar energy research, my eight-grade experiment further examined water electrolysis and fuel cells for vehicle
applications. Using laser pulses, I discovered a novel way to increase the efficiency of water electrolysis. During standard water
electrolysis, gaseous bubbles are formed on the surface of both the anode and cathode electrodes. Before this surface area can continue
splitting water, the gaseous bubbles need to detach from the surface of the electrode. In standard water electrolysis schemes, this
detachment happens slowly over time. In this project, I used lasers to instantaneously remove these bubbles, the second they were
formed. By enclosing the water electrolysis setup in a transparent container, and covering the housing with reflective foil, I used a
single laser beam to cover a significant surface area. I installed this laser enhanced water electrolysis unit inside a fuel cell powered
model car. Unlike my past projects, which only utilized small toy car frames, this vehicle was quite large; it measured two feet long, a
foot wide, and a foot high.
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Laser is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Aside from further examining the electrochemical
processes occurring within rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and water electrolysis, I mainly studied Einstein’s theory of stimulated
emission. My readings began with Bohr’s atomic model of electronic orbitals, and continued to electron excitation levels. From there,
I learned about atom’s absorption and emission of photons (i.e. smallest packet of light possible). Finally, I learned about Einstein’s
stimulated emission principles, which governs laser operation.
2009-2010, Ninth Grade:
In ninth grade, I took a hiatus from working with alternative energy sources, to work on the wing design of a MQ-9 Reaper. MQ-9
Reapers are unmanned areal vehicles (UAV) utilized by the U.S. Air Force today. A drawback of these drones is their inability to
carry high-powered microwave (HPM) emitters. These devices have the ability to send electrical surges through enemy circuitry from
enormous distances, thereby, defeating enemy electronics. The first phase of this project involved building a perfectly scaled model of
the MQ-9 Reaper. Not a trivial task. After months of work, ensuring the weight, dimensions, and motor thrust, were all perfectly scale,
I completed work on the model plane. Like its full sized counterpart, a remotely controlled receiver/transmitter pair operated my
UAV. As expected, my model Reaper was unable to fly with a scaled HPM emitter mounted on the drone. After studying various
aviation concepts, such as Bernoulli’s lift principles, I designed two wider curved wings. These new wings enabled the plane to carry
the scaled HPM emitter, albeit, sacrificing some of the aircraft’s speed. Overall maneuverability was not significantly hindered.
While I enjoyed working on this experiment, this project showed me I am far more interested in sustainable energy development, than
aviation.
2010-2011, Tenth Grade:
Tenth grade brought me back to energy production research. This study focused on hydrogen’s ability to increase the fuel economy of
gasoline and diesel based engines. Hydrogen is an extremely flammable gas. Consequently, if hydrogen is channeled into the air
intake of any internal combustion engine (i.e. gasoline engine), than the hydrogen will be burned in conjunction with gasoline, thereby
requiring less gasoline and increasing the efficiency of the engine. By using laser enhanced water electrolysis to produce hydrogen
(previously discovered in my 8th grade project), significant increases in efficiencies were obtained. Through this experiment, I learned
a great deal about automotive technology, specifically, both the chemistry and mechanics behind gasoline engines.
2011-2012, Eleventh Grade:
This project really started in April of 2011. After years of working on projects in my basement and garage, I decided to attempt to
work in a laboratory. Aiming to work on some type of sustainable energy project, I contacted over thirty local university laboratories.
Most did not even bother to return my phone call or email. About a third politely turned me away. And one, one laboratory said
maybe. Dr. Caroline Schauer, professor of the Natural Polymers and Photonics Lab at Drexel University, agreed to meet with me.
During this meeting, I discussed my interest in sustainable energy research. Even though no one else in the lab was conducting similar
research, Dr. Schauer agreed to let me research topics and propose a topic to her. The next several months entirely dedicated to
background research. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), an extremely cost effective design of solar cells, caught my interest. The
principle setback with these solar cells, are low efficiencies. After thousands of hours of research on DSSCs, I proposed an
experiment to use silver nanoparticles to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs. There is an enormous amount of graduate level chemistry
and physics, involved with DSSCs; therefore, this assessment of several thousand hours devoted to this project, is not an
overestimation! One of the graduate students in Dr. Schauer’s lab, Jennifer Atchison, agreed to mentor my project and explained
several key photonics concepts to me. Dr. Schauer approved my project proposal. In order to actually fabricate dye-sensitized solar
cells, I met with Siamak Nejati, a graduate student working in the Thin Films and Devices laboratory, at Drexel University. He
showed me how to fabricate DSSCs, and allowed me to use their solar simulator for experimentation.
In order to fully understand the project, a brief review of DSSCs is necessary. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are a promising new
type of solar cell, far more cost-effective than current silicon solar cells. Unlike the costly silicon based solar cells commercially
available today, this design of solar cell would be relatively inexpensive to produce. Dye-sensitized solar cells produce electricity
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through electron transfer. Michael Grätzel and Brian O’Regan invented the DSSC in 1991, and actually modeled the electron transfer
in within DSSCs after the electron transfer within the photosynthesis of plants. In a dye-sensitized solar cell a dye is absorbed into a
mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) layer. When sunlight passes through the conductive glass electrode, light hits the sensitizer-dye
molecules. The dye molecule's electrons jump from a ground state (valence band) into an excited state (conduction band). The excited
electrons jump from the conduction band of the dye molecule to the titanium dioxide layer. The TiO2 conducts the electron to the
conductive glass substrate. From here the electrons are conducted out of the solar cell, to the load. After performing electrical work,
the electrons flow back into the solar cell at the counter electrode. The dye molecule, having lost an electron to the titanium dioxide is
now oxidized, meaning it had one less electron than before. The dye wants to recover its initial energy state, so it has to obtain an
electron. The electrolyte provides this needed electron to the dye molecule, which then returns to its ground state. When the original
lost electron reaches the counter electrode, it gives the electron back to the electrolyte. This cycle will continue to occur so long as a
source of photons is present.
From September 2011, through January of 2012, I was optimizing my DSSC system. These improvements included: adding a buffer
layer to limit recombination of electrons between the titanium dioxide matrix and conductive glass, combining various ratios and
complexes of ruthenium based dyes as the sensitizer to collect a wider range of the solar spectrum, and several other improvements.
From January through March, I actually tested the silver nanoparticles within DSSCs. An unprecedented average 32% increase in
conversion efficiency was obtained using 20 nm silver particles. This tremendous result needed to be completely explained.
Consequently, from March through July, I designed and conducted experiments to isolate the exact reason for this enhancement. My
original hypothesis of a plasmonic enhancement was confirmed. The actual science behind plasmonics is extremely intricate, but
essentially, by adding silver nanoparticles to the DSSCs I took advantage of a phenomenon that occurs within metal nanoparticles.
The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metal nanoparticles, allowed me to achieve two desirable results for the solar cell.
First, LSPR - characteristic of metal nanoparticles- intensely scattered incoming light. In other words, silver nanoparticles within
DSSCs reflected light to nearby dye molecules. This increased probability of light absorption by the solar cell, and increased the
efficiency. Secondly, during LSPR, silver nanoparticle’s generate intense local electromagnetic fields. If a dye molecule is within this
field, the absorption spectrum of the dye is increased. Basically, the enhanced electromagnetic field forced the solar cell dye molecules
to absorb a larger portion of the solar spectrum, thereby increasing the efficiency of the solar cell.
With unparalleled results, over the past several months I have been working on a scientific journal article to publish my results. I have
finished up my manuscript and after my professor reviews it, will submit it to the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Physical
Chemistry (C). I am the first author on this article, with Dr. Atchison, and Mr. Nejati as secondary authors. Dr. Schauer is the
corresponding author (i.e. the person who funded the research).
2012-2013, Twelfth Grade:
As I just finished submitting my eleventh grade research project manuscript, I have decided to take a one-month hiatus in November
of 2012, to finalize college matters. Starting again in December of 2012, I will be working in three different laboratories at Drexel
University. I will be working with Dr. Schauer again, with Dr. Lau from the Thin Films and Devices lab, and Dr. Shih, a professor in
the materials science department who is an expert on quantum dots.
My project will be building on the remarkable results achieved in my DSSC research. However, instead of using a molecular dye, I
will use quantum dots to sensitize the solar cell. Quantum dots are tiny nanocrystals, which exhibit some unique properties. For
example, by simply changing the size of quantum dots you can change the absorption spectrum of the nanocrystals. This means by
simply varying the size of the quantum dots, you can specifically tailor the nanocrystals to absorb a wide range of the solar spectrum.
Accordingly, quantum dots have tremendous potential in photovoltaic applications. My project will involve adding various types of
metal nanoparticles into quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Theoretically, similar enhancements to results achieved with
DSSCs, should be observed. Only time, and results will tell.
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Academic Transcript
Course Title
9th Grade
Analyzing Literature (H)
Journalism
Rhetoric (H)
Elementary Algebra (BCC)
Geometry
Cold War (History) (H)
Biology w/Lab
Circuits w/Lab
Latin 1
Spanish 1
Independent Research Project
Physical Education
Academic Credits 11.5
Total Credits: CUM 11.5 GPA 4.0
Grade
Credit
A
A
A
1.00
1.00
1.00
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
.50
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
GPA 4.0
10th Grade
Honors English I (H)
World Literature II (H)
Intermediate Algebra (BCC)
Pre-calculus (BCC)
A
A
A
A
World History (H)
American Government
NJ History & Map
Constitutional History
Spanish 2
Introduction to Chemistry (BCC)
Introduction to Chemistry Lab (BCC)
A
A
A
A
A
B+
B
1.00
.50
.50
1.00
1.00
1.00
.50
General Psychology (BCC)
Independent Research Project
Physical Education
Academic Credits 12.0
Total Credits: CUM 23.5 GPA 3.94
A
A
A
1.00
1.00
1.00
GPA 3.88
Course Description Key
(H) Honors
(BCC) Completed at Burlington County College, NJ
Each college course given one high school credit
.50
1.00
1.00
1.00
Grading Scale
A: 92-100
B: 84-91
C: 74-82
D:
65-73
F: Below 65
Instructor
Rosemary Laberee, B.S., Drexel University,
Scott Faris, B.A. & M.A., Wheaton College
Peter Labaree, B.A., University of Pennsylvania, JD
Un of Pa Law School
Diane Veneziale
Carolyn McBride, B.A., Gordon College
Mr. Warren Boettcher, B.S., University of Delaware
Darla Crompton, B.S., Saint Joseph's University
Carolyn McBride, B.A., Gordon College
Carolyn McBride, B.A., Gordon College
Sue August, B.S., Rutgers University
Carolyn McBride, B.A., Gordon College
Kevin McBride, B.S., Drexel University
Rosemary Labaree, B.S., Drexel University
Rosemary Labaree, B.S., Drexel University
Diane Veneziale
Stafford Steward, BS/MS Chem. Eng. & MS Eng.
Mag., NJIT, MS. Env .Stevens Inst. of Tech.
Sue Hurst
Sue Hurst
Rosemary Laberee, B.S., Drexel University
Sue August, B.S., Rutgers University
Leon Hageman
Glen Smith B.S. Drexel University, M.S. Drexel
University
Dr. Donna Vandergrift
Carolyn McBride, B.A., Gordon College
Kevin McBride, B.S., Drexel University
GPA
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
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Course Title
11th Grade
Honors English II (H)
Calculus I & Analytic Geometry (BCC)
Calculus II & Analytic Geometry (BCC)
Calculus III & Analytic Geometry (BCC)
Grade
Credit
Instructor
A
A
B
A
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
General Chemistry 1 (BCC)
B
1.00
General Chemistry 1 Lab (BCC)
A
.50
General Chemistry II (BCC)
A
1.00
General Chemistry II Lab (BCC)
Circuits I (BCC)
A
B+
.50
1.00
Circuits Lab (BCC)
American History
Independent Research Project Phase 1 (DU)
A
A
1.00
1.00
Independent Research Project Phase 2 (DU)
A
1.00
Physical Education
Academic Credits 12.0
Total Credits: CUM 35.5 GPA 3.87
A
Course Title
12th Grade *
College Composition I (BCC)
College Composition II (BCC)
Linear Algebra (BCC)
Grade
General Physics 1 (BCC)
General Physics 1 Lab (BCC)
General Physics II (BCC)
General Physics II Lab (BCC)
Introduction to Computer Science I (BCC)
Principles of Microeconomics (BCC)
Business Functions in a Global Society (BCC)
Independent Research Project (DU)
A
A
1.00
GPA 3.75
Credit
A
1.00
.50
1.00
.50
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
A
Physical Education
1.00
Academic Credits 11.0
Total Credits: CUM 46.5 GPA 3.89
Course Description Key
(H) Honors
Instructor
1.00
1.00
1.00
A
Rosemary Labaree, B.S., Drexel University
Louise Huttner B.S., M.A.
Susan J. Northridge B.S.E.E., PE, M.A.,
Dr. Rob Schwartz, B.S., MIT, M.S., Harvard, PhD,
University of Pennsylvania
Terry Sherlock, A.S., BCC, B.S., Rowan University,
M.A., Temple University
Robert Goldman, B.S., Rutgers University, M.S.,
Delaware Valley College
L. Stewart B.S., University of MA, Dartmouth,
Ph.D., University of MA, Amherst
M. Orlando
Tom Houck A.S., B.S., Rutgers University, M.S.,
Delaware Valley College
Charles Burns included in Circuits grade/credit
Mr. Warren Boettcher, B.S., University of Delaware
Caroline Schauer, B.S., Beloit, Ph.D., Stony Brook
University
Caroline Schauer, B.S., Beloit, Ph.D., Stony Brook
University
Kevin McBride, B.S., Drexel University
Kathryn Clauson, M.S., Drexel University
Robert Roach B.S., Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, M.S. George Washington University
Greg Perugini
Greg Perugini
James F. Cattanea B.S. University of Pennsylvania
Caroline Schauer, B.S., Beloit, Ph.D., Stony Brook
University
Kevin McBride, B.S., Drexel University
GPA 4.0 (as of 1/01/13)
Grading Scale
GPA
A:
92-100
4.0
(BCC) Completed at Burlington County College, NJ
B:
84-91
3.0
(DU) Completed at Drexel University
C:
74-82
2.0
Each college course given one high school credit
*Classes are being completed by 5/15/13
D:
65-73
1.0
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Course Descriptions
Grade 9
Credits: 1.0
Mrs. Rosemary Laberee
Analyzing Literature
B.S., Drexel University
In this honors class, great works of literature and philosophy were read, discussed and analyzed. The student wrote essays and biographies.
Here are a list of works studied: The Pearl-John Steinbeck, The Veldt-Ray Bradbury, The Speckled Bank-Arthur Conan Doyle, Rose for EmilyWilliam Faulkner, The Importance of Being Ernest-Oscar Wilde, The Misanthrope-Moliere, The Apology-Plato, The Tell-Tale Heart-Edgar Allan
Poe, The Overcoat-Gogol, Gulliver's Travels-Jonathan swift, The Prince- Machiavelli, A Man For all Seasons- Robert Bolt, The Lottery-Shirley
Jackson, The Book of Job-Holy Bible, The Screwtape Letters-C.S. Lewis, Lord of the Flies-William Goulding, Animal Farm-George Orwell, The
Devil and Daniel Webster-Stephen Vincent Benet, Alice in wonderland-Lewis Carroll, Medea-Euripides, The Diamond Necklace,-Guy de
Maupassant.
Pre-requisite: Students taking this class need to enjoy books which are both thought-provoking and demanding. Students in this class will be a part
of the "great conversation" and high-brow semantics. Students need to produce the standard 5 paragraph essay.
Class Size: 20
Grade 9
Mr. Scott Faris
Credits: 1
B.S. Wheaton College
Journalism Course
M.A. Wheaton College
This course improved discernment, thinking and writing skills by applying all three to the world of print media. The course covered: The history of
journalism, Associated Press (AP) style, Journalistic ethics, 1st Amendment issues, Christianity and Journalism, Writing for the web, Querying and
submission of manuscripts.
Students needed to be strong readers and writers. Coursework included writing workshops, tests and producing one publishable piece for submission
to a publication by year's end.
Class Size: 7 Students
AP Stylebook
Grade 9
Mr. Peter Laberee Esq.
Credits: 1
B.A., University of Pennsylvania,
Rhetoric
JD Un of Pa Law School
Words matter. How a question is phrased may determine its answer. The complexities of modern political and philosophical life exist in an
environment of increasingly imprecise speech and thought. Buzz words, catchphrases
and lingo lurk beneath modern discourse and confuse, rather than clarify, intelligent analysis. This honors high school course examined the
importance of thoughtful speech, precise speech and listening.
Tests, class participation, papers, quizzes were used to evaluate each student.
Class Size: 20 Students
Grade 9
Credits: 1.0
Elementary Algebra
@Burlington County College
,
Diane Veneziale
This course focuses on signed numbers, polynomial expressions and their operations, rational algebraic expressions, factoring, the solving and
graphing of first degree equations in one variable and systems of linear equations (algebraic and graphic solutions).
Text: Introductory Algebra by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis
Class Size: 35
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Carolyn McBride
Geometry
B.A., Gordon College
This course will include; study of points, segments, triangles, polygons, circles, solid figures and their associated relationships in a mathematical
system. Emphasis is placed on the description and use of inductive, deductive, and intuitive reasoning skills. Powers of abstract reasoning, spatial
visualization and logical reasoning patterns are improved through this course. Points, segments, triangles, polygons, circles, and solid figures are the
structures studied. The focus is on comparisons between these figures concerning surface areas, volumes congruency, similarity, transformations, and
coordinate geometry.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Text: Teaching Textbooks Geometry
Class Size:1
Grade 9
Credits: 1
Mr. Warren Boettcher
Cold War History Class
B.S., University of Delaware
The Cold War was the major foreign policy consideration of the latter half of the 20th century and dominated American politics for close to 40 years.
This honors class looked at the origins of this conflict, its impact on American policy and politics, nuclear war and strategy, as well as its aftermath.
Student needed strong note taking abilities because the tests and final exam were based on class lectures. Many short essay papers and longer papers
were assigned.
Class Size: 25
Grade 9
Credits: 1
Honors Biology & Lab
Darla Crompton
This course covers cellular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, and botany in great detail. It exposes the student to a wide variety of life
and fosters an understanding of how various groups function. Sixteen modules cover cell life, genetics, ecology, insects, plants, reptiles, mammals,
and more.
Weekly labs will correspond to these topics. Honor level curriculum requiring textbook assignments, labs, worksheets, position papers,
informational pamphlet, laboratory reports, weekly quizzes, and tests.
Class Size: 5 Students
Grade 9
Credits: 1
Carolyn McBride
Circuits w/Lab
B.A., Gordon College
This course introduces electronic circuits and circuit design, both analog and digital through a series of projects completed one lesson at a time. The
separate lessons build on each other and add up to projects you can put to practical use.
Text: Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius: 57 Lessons with Projects
By Dave Cutcher Plus various items such as PC boards etc for completing the book projects.
Projects were completed as well as laboratory reports, quizzes and tests given.
Class Size: 1 Student
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Grade 9
Credits: 1.0
Mrs. Carolyn McBride
Latin I
B.A., Gordon College
This Latin course covered many areas such as: First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Declensions, Adjectives First, Second and Third declension,
First, Second, Third and Fourth conjugation. Students did many types of exercises including translating various sized paragraphs, writing sentences,
identifying the form and learning vocabulary
Homework, quizzes, tests were used included in the grading process.
Text: Henle Latin First Year Book,
Grammar Latin Book
Grade 9
Credit: 1.0
Mrs. Sue August
Spanish Level 1
B.S., Rutgers University
This class included: speaking Spanish, completing exercises which included writing/translating, vocabulary building problems, listening, work
sheets, reviews and tests.
Text: Speedy Spanish Book 1
Faythelma Bechtel Txu 327-826
Class Size:3
Grade 9
Credits: 1.0
Carolyn McBride
Independent Research Project
B.A., Gordon College
An independent research project: student researched, selected, designed, built and tested.
Project Title: Altering the Design of a scale MQ-9 Reaper to Successfully Install a HPM Emitter
Before this project no one had successfully mounted a HPM emitter on a military aircraft due to its weight. However the student created a new wing
design which enabled a scale MQ-9 Reaper to carry a scale HMP emitter. A question arose after this discovery: What part of the MQ-9 Reaper is
optimal for the HPM emitter to be mounted on? The student then determined four different positions to test the HPM emitter. It was the student’s
belief that position four (underbelly of the plane and closest to the motor) would be the fastest position. Testing the speed of the aircraft then
commenced. After analyzing the results it was discovered that directly in the middle of the underbelly of the plane was optimal for this project. All
the data was proven to be statistically significant through p-values. Overall it was also discovered that the closer the HPM emitter was to the center of
the plane the faster the plane traveled. The next experiment the student plains on conducting, is to measure the maneuverability of the new MQ-9
Reaper wings. But it remains his project has successfully mounded a HPM emitter on a Military aircraft which has never been accomplished before.
Today electronics are vital to almost all military technology. Now a HPM emitter could be used on an aircraft to defeat these electronics, leaving the
enemy defenseless.
Class Size: 1: Use of a church gym helped to ensure weather control when tested.
Grade 9
Credits: 1.0
Mr. J. Kevin McBride
Physical Education
B.S., Drexel University
Weekly activities included one or more: Running 3 miles, weight lifting, playing basketball, football, wiffleball, swimming laps, volley ball and
street hockey.
Snowflakes Ski club: a homeschooling ski & snowboarding group
Class Size: varied
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Grade10
Credits:
Mrs. Rosemary Laberee
Honors English 1
B.S., Drexel University
Language mechanics exercises, vocabulary study, timed 5 paragraph essay writing, analysis of excerpts from world literature for reading
comprehension practice such as but not limited to the following: Where We Are Going? by Martin Luther King, The Glass of Milk, by Manuel
Rojas, Psalms 8, 19, 23, 137, The Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam, The Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam, The Panchatantra, tales from ancient India, Essays
in Idleness by Yoshido Kenko, Aeneid, Book II, How they Took the City. By Virgil, The Lay of the Werewolf by Marie de France, Paradise Lost,
Book IX, by Milton, The Expiation, by Victor Hugo, The Bet, by Anton Chekov, A Breath of Air, by Pirandellu, Under Reconstruction, by Ogai,
and Omerus, chapter 13, by Walcott.
Books: Too many to name; see above description.
Class participation, essays, vocab quizzes, tests determined grade.
Class Size: 28 Student
Grade 10
Credits: 1.0
Mrs. Rosemary Laberee
World Literature ll
B.S., Drexel University
This honors class analyzed the writings of great books and some poetry from different cultures and periods of time in history. This class challenged
the student to participate in class discussions of themes, symbolism and metaphors in literature. The student wrote essays and book reviews, monthly.
They answered study questions on all of the selected works. Readings were rigorous.
Here is a list of readings: Of Mice and Men -John Steinbeck, King Lear-William Shakespeare, Pygmalion-George Bernard Shaw, The Severed
Hand-Wilhelm Hauff, Selected Sonnets-William Shakespeare, Night-Elie Wiesel, The Mysterious Island-Jules Verne, The Education of Little TreeForest Carter, The Death of Ivan Ilych-Leo Tolstoy, Selected Poems-T. S. Eliot, The Heart of Darkness-Joseph Conrad, To Kill a MockingbirdHarper Lee, Bartleby the Scrivener-Herman Melville, Hamlet-William Shakespeare, Selected Poems-William Blake
Pre-requisite: Reliable internet connection required of all students. Students need to produce the standard 5 paragraph essay.
Class Size: 20
Grade 10
Credits: 1.0
Intermediate Algebra
@Burlington County College
,
Diane Veneziale
This course focuses on linear and absolute value equations; inequalities; functions; rational exponents; radicals; complex numbers; solving and
graphing of quadratic equations and inequalities; and wolving systems of linear equations and inequalities.
Text: Intermediate Algebra by Larson, Hostetler
Class Size: 35
Grade 10
Credits: 1.0
Mr. Stafford Stewart
Pre-Calculus
BS/MS Chem. Eng. & MS Eng. Manage., NJIT,
@Burlington County College
,
MS. Environ. Stevens Inst. of Tech
This course is the analytic study of elementary relations and functions including linear, quadratic, higher order polynomial, exponential, logarithmic,
and trigonometric. Upon successful completion of this course, the student is expected to begin the formal study of calculus. A graphing calculator
was required.
Class Size: 43
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Grade 10
Credit: 1.0
World History
Mrs. Sue Hurst
This Honors World History course included: The Beginnings of Civilization, Western Civilization, Middle Ages, Reformation Era, The Age of Ideas
(Revolution, Revival, and Reform), and The twentieth Century (A World at War).
Text: World History and Cultures Second Edition
ABeka Book Pensacola, Florida
Homework was questions from chapters, quizzes, tests, projects, class participation, and oral reports determined grade.
Class Size: 12
Grade 10
Credit: .5
American Government
Mrs. Sue Hurst
This American Government course included: Foundations of American Government, Our Constitutional Republic ( Congress: The Legislative
Branch, The Executive Branch: The Presidency & Bureaucracy, The Judicial Branch & other topics) Our Federal Republic.
Text: American Government
ABeka Book Pensacola, Florida
Class Size: 12
Grade 10
Credits: 1.0
A More Perfect Union:
Mrs. Rosemary Laberee
American Constitution History
B.S., Drexel University
This Class focused on the Founding Father's basic principles. It included a close examination of the Federalists Papers, an ongoing comparison of
different forms of government and careful reading of the required texts. Class discussions of what was read, answering questions from a study
guide, essays and book reports plus watching segments of the DVD "A More Perfect Union were required.
Pre-requisite: Students taking this class need to enjoy books which are both thought-provoking and demanding. Students in this class will be a part
of the "great conversation" and high-brow semantics. Students need to produce the standard 5 paragraph essay.
Text: The 5,000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen, The Making of America by Cleon Skousen
and Ancient Rome By Richard Maybury
Class Size: 20
Grade 10
Credit: 1.0
Mrs. Sue August
Spanish Level 2
B.S., Rutgers University
This class included: speaking Spanish, completing exercises which included writing/translating, vocabulary building problems, listening, work
sheets, reviews and tests.
Text: Speedy Spanish Book 2
Faythelma Bechtel Txu 327-826
Class Size:3
12
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Grade 10
Credit: 1.0
Chemistry @ Burlington County Co
Leon Hageman
This course covers the fundamental laws, terms and mathematics of general chemistry. It includes treatment of general chemistry. It includes
treatment of nomenclature, stoichiometry, solution, chemistry and gas laws.
Text: Topics in Chemistry by Hageman
Class Size: 43
Grade 10
Credit: 0.5
Glen Smith B.S. Drexel University
Chemistry Lab @ Burlington County Co
M.S. Drexel University
This course covers the fundamental laws, terms and mathematics of general chemistry. It includes treatment of general chemistry. It includes
treatment of nomenclature, stoichiometry, solution, chemistry and gas laws.
Text: Patterns in Chemistry by Hageman
Laboratory reports were written as well as quizzes, tests and finals.
Class Size: 24
Grade 10
Credits: 1.0
General Psychology
@ Burlington County Co
Dr. Donna Vandergrift
This course a comparative provides a general understanding and application of the basic principles of psychology. It focuses on the history of
psychology, scientific methods as employed by psychology, physiological basis of behavior, maturation, development, principles of earning, thinking
and communication, perception, memory and creativity.
Text: Introduction to Psychology
Writing papers, tests, writing a scientific research paper on a particular area of interest was required.
Class Size: 45
Grade 10
Credits: 1.0
Carolyn McBride
Independent Research Project
B.A., Gordon College
An independent research project: student researched, selected, designed, built and tested.
Increasing the Fuel Economy of an Internal Combustion Engine via on Board Hydrogen Generator
Gasoline automobiles currently are the leading cause of air pollution in America, release toxic emissions damaging our environment, and contribute
to the greenhouse gas effect. Additionally gasoline’s price is steadily increasing, without signs of stopping. The purpose of this project is to increase
the fuel economy of an internal combustion engine (standard gas engine), through water electrolysis. Water electrolysis is a process in which, water
is split forming hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen-which is highly flammable-, is then burned alongside gasoline, increasing the fuel
economy of the engine, while drastically reducing harmful emissions. A downside to water electrolysis is that the reaction time is slow. After some
research with lasers, the student noticed that when a laser beam is shone on the surface of an electrode during water electrolysis, the laser seemed to
increase the reaction time and allow for more hydrogen to be produced. After this observation, the student decided to conduct an experiment utilizing
lasers and hypothesized they would increase the efficiency of water electrolysis. Tests were conducted, with a 5mW, 10mW, 50mW, and 100mW
green laser (534nm frequency). The lasers shone on the water electrolysis cell’s, connected to a 5hp lawnmower engine. 100ml of gasoline was
injected into the empty gas tank before each trial. After analyzing the data, it was clear that as the laser output increased, the run time of the engine
also increased. P-values prove the data’s was statistical significance, and not random.
Class Size: 1:
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Grade 10
Credits: 1.0
Mr. J. Kevin McBride
Physical Education
B.S., Drexel University
Weekly activities included one or more: Running 3 miles, weight lifting, playing basketball, football, wiffleball, volley ball, street hockey and on a
in door hockey team.
Snowboarding with Master Slopes Master Ski Group: a homeschooling ski & snowboarding group.
Class Size: varied
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
Mrs. Rosemary Laberee
Honors English ll
B.S., Drexel University
This year long class will include the study of a wide range of poetry and short stories from authors of the 19 th and 20th centuries. There will be eight
essay assignments. Additionally, 300 vocabulary words will be learned and there will be weekly vocabulary quizzes. Critical reading skills will be
developed through poetry explication, literary analysis of the short stories and novellas through assigned discussion questions and comparative
exercises. Comprehension questions are assigned weekly. All essays are timed.
Here is a list of readings: Break, Break, Break – Tennyson, Daddy Fell Into the Pond – A. Noyes, The Lockless Dooor – Frost Mezzo Cammin –
Keats When I Have Fears That I May Cease To Be – Longfellow The Open Boat - S. Crane Shakespeare Sonnet 18 The Singal – Garshin Bad Boy Mark Twain Revolt of Mother - Freeman Gift of the Magi – O. Henry A thanksgiving Poem – Dunbar Hollow Men - T.S. Eliot The Minister’s Black
Veil – N. Hawthorne The Important of Being Earnest – O. Wilde The Boarded Window - A. Bierce The Monkey’s Paw – Jacobs The Lady or the
Tiger – Stockton The Use of Force - W. Carlos Williams A Worn Path - E. Welty The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Thurber The Open Window –
Saki The Most Dangerous Game – Connell I, Pencil – Read The Severed Hand – Hauff The Red-Headed League – Doyle Bartleby the Scrivener Melville
Pre-requisite: Reliable internet connection required of all students. Students need to produce the standard 5 paragraph essay.
Class Size: 20
Grade 11
Credit 1.0
Calculus I & Analytic Geometry
@ Burlington County Co
Louise Huttner
This course focuses on selected content from plane analytic geometry; limits and continuity; derivatives of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and
exponential functions, extreme; differentials anti-derivatives; definite integrals, and applications. Graphic and symbolic calculation software is
provided and applied to selected topics.
Prerequisite: MTH 130
Text: Calculus By Ron, Larson, Bruce, H.Edwards
Class Size: 20
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
Calculus Il & Analytic Geometry
@ Burlington County Co
Susan J. Northridge, B.S.E.E., PE, M.A.,
This course focuses on differentiation of inverse trigonometric functions and application of implicit and logarithmic differentiation. It also
emphasizes the completion of the Basic Integration Formulas, techniques of integration, improper integrals, parametric equations, include area and
volume of solids of revolution. Symbolic calculation software is provided and applied to selected topics.
Prerequisite: MTH 118
Text: Calculus By Ron, Larson, Bruce, H.Edwards
Class Size: 23
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Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
Dr. Rob Schwartz
Calculus Ill & Analytic Geometry
B.S., MIT
@ Burlington County Co
M.S., Harvard, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
This course focuses on vectors in the plane and space, vector calculus, multivariate functions and partial derivatives, directional derivatives, multiple
integrals and surface integrals, vector fields, line integrals and surface integrals, vector fields, line integrals, A Greens's theorem, Divergence theorem
and stokes's theorem.
Text: Calculus By Ron, Larson, Bruce, H. Edwards Ninth Edition
Class Size: 30
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
Terry Sherlock
General Chemistry I
A.S., B.S., Rutgers University
@ Burlington County Co
M.S., Delaware Valley College
This course is a systematic study of fundamental principles and concepts including: dimension analysis; atomic structure; periodicity; chemical
bonding; thermochemical equations; stoichomentry of chemical reactions; the liquid, solid and gaseous stats and solution chemistry.
Text: Chemistry The Central Science
By Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy
Class Size: 51
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
General Chemistry I Laboratory
Robert Goldman
@ Burlington County Co
B.S., Rutgers University, M.S., Delaware Valley College
This course provides laboratory experiences that apply to the topics and concepts covered in General Chemistry I.
Text: Laboratory Experiments: Chemistry The Central Science
John Nelson & Kenneth Kemp
Laboratory reports were written as well as quizzes, tests and finals.
Class Size: 25
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
General Chemistry II
@ Burlington County Co
L. Stewart
This course is a systemic study of thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, ionic equilibrium, electrochemistry, coordination compounds, nuclear
chemistry and an introduction to organic reactions.
Text: Chemistry The Central Science
By Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy
Class Size:48
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
General Chemistry II Laboratory
@ Burlington County Co
M. Orlando
This course provides laboratory experiences that apply to the topics and concepts covered in General Chemistry II.
Prerequisite: CHE117
Laboratory reports were written as well as quizzes, tests and finals.
Text Laboratory Experiments: Chemistry The Central Science
John Nelson & Kenneth Kemp
Laboratory reports were written as well as tests, quizzes and final
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Class Size: 25
Grade 11
Circuits
Credits: 1.0
@ Burlington County Co
Tom Houck
This course focuses on the basic principles of direct and alternating current and on the properties of passive electrical components. It covers atomic
theory, current, voltage, resistance, resistive networks, network theorems, work power capacitance, inductance and transformers.
Text: Electric circuits Fundamentals by Floyd
Class Size: 50
Grade 11
Circuits Lab
Credits: 0.5
@ Burlington County Co
Charles Burns
Laboratory exercises include building circuits from schematics, using laboratory equipment to make measurements and to verify theory. Circuit
analysis software is used to simulate and verify the laboratory analysis where appropriate.
Many projects were completed.
Class Size: 20
Grade 11
Credits: 1
Mr. Warren Boettcher
American History
B.S., University of Delaware
This course begins with native American Immigrants prior to Columbus. The course includes the complete American History; European Settlements
in North America, The American Revolution, The Constitution and the Establishment of the New Nation, Sectionalism and Nationalism: 1801-1850,
A Growing Nation-Social Change: 1800-1860, Slavery and Civil war, Changing Lifestyles:1865-1914, From Panic to Empire, Turmoil of War and
Depression, World War II and the Early Years of the Cold War, Civil Rights, Vietnam, the Cold War and Watergate: 1960-1976, The Presidencies of
Carter, Reagan, and Bush:1977-1993, Social Change: 1945-2002, and Recent History: The Clinton Years and After.
Tests, final, class participation and various essays were written.
Texts:
Barron's American History Third Edition The Easy Way by William O. Kellogg
Great Documents in U.S. History Volume I & ll by Richard Kollen
Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Smithsonian's Encyclopedia of American History
William O. Kellogg
Class Size: 1
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0 Phase 1
Caroline Schauer
Independent Research Project
B.S., Beloit, Ph.D., Stony Brook University
An independent research project: student researched, selected, designed, built and tested.
Phase 1: Alex worked under Dr. Schauer and her graduate students investigating; current Silicon based solar cells are very expensive, and often times
very fragile. DSSCs are inexpensive to produce, and can operate in low light conditions (cloudy, no-direct sunlight, sunlight at an angle, overcast…),
whereas traditional silicon based solar cells suffer significant drawback in production in low light conditions. However, liquid electrolyte DSSCs has
a host of their own problems (Including temperature stability issues, leakage and corrosion problems…). Solid state electrolytes in DSSCs don’t have
the same issues their liquid state cousins have; instead their only real problem is in their conversion efficiency. By introducing silver nanoparticles to
plasmonically enhance the dye molecules within the solar cell, the overall conversion efficiency of the SS-DSSC was increased.
Class Size: 1 From May1, 2011 to Oct 31, 2011, Alex worked in several of Drexel's material sciences labs.
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0 Phase 2
Caroline Schauer
Independent Research Project
B.S., Beloit, Ph.D., Stony Brook University
An independent research project: student researched, selected, designed, built and tested.
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Alex is finishing introducing silver nanoparticles to plasmonically enhance the dye molecules within the solar cell, the overall conversion efficiency
of the SS-DSSC was increased.
Class Size: 1 From Nov.1, 2011 to April 30, 2011 Alex is working in several of Drexel's material sciences labs.
Grade 11
Credits: 1.0
Mr. J. Kevin McBride
Physical Education
B.S., Drexel University
Weekly activities included one or more: Running 3 miles, weight lifting, playing basketball, football, wiffleball, swimming laps, volley ball, street
hockey, jetting skiing and ocean swimming.
Class Size: varied
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
College Composition I
Kathryn Clauson
@ Burlington County Co
M.S., Drexel University
This course develops skills in expository writing. It emphasizes the writing process, organization, methods of development, and diction. It requires a
research essay using the MLA documentation format.
Text: The DK Handbook with workbook for writers; Custom Edition for Burlington County College & The Little Brown Reader by Stubbs & Barnet
Many essays of various lengths were written.
Class Size: 24
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
College Composition II
@ Burlington County Co
This course in composition focuses on reading, analyzing, and discussing literature. It emphasizes reading skills, the expression of insights in writing,
and the pleasures of reading literature.
Text:
Class Size:
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
Linear Algebra
Robert Roach, B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
@ Burlington County Co
M.S. George Washington University
This course focuses on the basic theory and applications of real finite dimensional vector spaces and linear transformations. It includes vectors, linear
transformations. It includes vectors, linear dependence, basis and dimension, matrices, applications to systems of linear equations, change of basis,
and eigenvalues.
Text: Introductory Linear Algebra An Applied First course 8/E by Bernard Kolman & David R. Hill
Class Size:10
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
General Physics I
Greg Perugini
@ Burlington County Co
This course is a study of the fundamental concepts and laws of mechanics with emphasis on the conservation laws. It focuses on scalar and vector
qualities of mechanics, rectilinear and circular motion, equilibrium and Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, and the conservation
laws. It is designed for students majoring in engineering, the sciences, mathematics, and computer science programs.
Text: Physics: with Modern Physics For Scientists and Engineers, a strategic approach,Third Edition
Class Size:26
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Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
General Physics I Lab
Greg Perugini
@ Burlington County Co
This Laboratory course provides experiences that apply to the concepts and topics covered in General Physics I
Laboratory reports were written as well as tests, quizzes and final were given.
Class Size: 20
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
General Physics II
@ Burlington County Co
This course is an introduction to thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism. It focuses on heat and thermal energy, electric and magnetic fields,
basic DC circuit analysis and electromagnetic waves.
Class Size
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
General Physics II lab
@ Burlington County Co
This Laboratory course provides experiences that apply to the concepts and topics covered in General Physics II.
Class Size: 20
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
Introduction to Computer Science I
James F. Cattanea
@ Burlington County Co
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of programming and problem solving. It focuses on simple data types, control structures, and
introduction to array and string data structures and algorithms, as well as debugging techniques and the social implications of computing. It
emphasizes good software engineering principles and developing fundamental programming skills in the context of a language that supports the
object-oriented paradigm. The lab component provides hands –on programming experience that is vital for beginning programmers and computer
science students.
Tests, quizzes, and projects were completed.
Text: Proablem solving with C++ by Walter Savitch 8th Edition
Class Size:13
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
Principles of Microeconomics
@ Burlington County Co
This course focuses on basic economic principles with particular emphasis on microeconomic theory and problems. It covers graphs, supply,
demand, the price system, resource allocation, distribution of income, socioeconomic problems, international trade, economic development, and
comparative economic development, and comparative economic systems.
Text:
Class Size:
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
Business Functions in a Global Society
@ Burlington County Co
This course covers the business functions of any organization: marketing, operations, production, accounting, finance, distribution, investments,
human resource management, banking, and information handling in our current global society.
Text:
Class Size:
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Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
Caroline Schauer
Independent Research Project
B.S., Beloit, Ph.D., Stony Brook University
An independent research project:
Current Silicon based solar cells are very expensive, and often times very fragile. QDSCs are inexpensive to produce, and can operate in ambient
light conditions, whereas traditional silicon based solar cells suffer significant drawback in production in low light conditions. However, traditionally
QDSCs have had low conversion efficiencies. The purpose of this project is to increase the conversion efficiency of a quantum dot solar cell, by
introducing metal nanoparticles.
Class Size: 1 From May 30, 2012 to Sept 30, 2012 Alex is working in several of Drexel's material sciences labs.
Grade 12
Credits: 1.0
Mr. J. Kevin McBride
Physical Education
B.S., Drexel University
Weekly activities included one or more: Running on treadmill, weight lifting, playing basketball, football, wiffleball, volley ball, and street hockey.
Class Size: varied
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Community Service, Volunteer Opportunities, Awards and Achievements
Written by Student’s Teacher Carolyn McBride
Community Service
Promoting Science
1. Drexel Laboratories: Alex volunteered/worked in:
Caroline Schauer Ph.D, Natural Polymers and Photonics Laboratory, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University.
Kenneth Lau Ph. D, Thin Films and Devices Laboratory, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University.
Wei-Heng Shih Ph.D, Sensor and Functional Materials Group, Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University.
Wan Y. Shih Ph.D, Sensor and Functional Materials Group, Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University
Alex used equipment in these labs:
Jason Baxter Ph.D, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University. For:
Incident Photon to Current Efficiency (IPCE %) Measurements.
Jonathan Spanier Ph.D, Mesomaterials Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University.
For: UV- Vis with Integrated Sphere Spectroscopy Measurements.
2. Franklin Institute: Alex ran diverse interactive stations. Every 30 minutes, the volunteers move to another station.
This included learning about assorted topics, giving brief demonstrations, explanations, assisting visitors in various activities such as: paper making,
riding on old locomotives, a range of math or science challenges etc. From June 2010 – March 2011
3. While in Atlanta, Georgia at the 2008 Intel International Science and Engineering fair, volunteered and served as a tour guide for a group of
elementary age school children at the international science fair.
4. In February of 2008, attended a homeschool science fair meeting and provided tips to the people in attendance on how to improve their projects
for the Coriell Institute Science Fair.
5. In August of 2007, gave a presentation for Mr. Gary Butler, the coordinator of the Coriell Institute of Medical Research Science Fair, to k-6th
grade science teachers about my science project.
Serving with Musical Talents
1. South Jersey Homeschool Band played various drums, triangles etc
2. Alex played the bass for the Catalyst Worship band for youth meetings at Sovereign Grace Church and
Jr. High worship band for the Jr. High meetings at Sovereign Grace Church. This included having monthly meetings, and practicing with the other
band members.
Child Care Volunteer
1. Alex helped with various children activities such as being a team leader for Vacation Bible School at Come Alive Church, assisting with setup/tear down and running a game booth for Fall Harvest Festivals and running sound for both children Christmas plays and Sunday morning worship.
2. Alex has been in 4-H drama club either acting or on crew for both Jr. and Sr. Drama. From 6 th- present
3. During the years of 2009-present, served in Children's Ministry on Sunday mornings at Sovereign Grace Church. This involved caring for 4 or 5
year old children once a month on a Sunday morning.
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Church Cleaning/Repairing/Setting up Volunteer
1. Come Alive Church helping with various special services set up & tear down, sound, lighting, cleaning days, tenting erecting, harvest festivals,
Memorial Day picnics, Easter & Christmas pageants.
2. Mock trial team participated in community service for a local church such as cleaning nights for First Baptist church as well as Saturday morning
maintenance duties, plastic caps collection for kidney diagasis patients and water bottle collections for homeless.
3. Sovereign Grace Church parking attendant. (2009-2011)
Extracurricular Activities
Mock Trial
1. 9th Grade: A lawyer for the NICHE (Network of Independent Christian Home Educators) Mock Trial team who were the winners of the
Burlington County Mock Trial Competition. Recipient of the Rookie of the Year Award.
2. 10th Grade: A lawyer for the NICHE (Network of Independent Christian Home Educators) Mock Trial team who were the winners of the
Burlington County Mock Trial Competition. Recipient of the Most Promising Award.
3. 11th Grade: Lead lawyer for the NICHE (Network of Independent Christian Home Educators) Mock Trial team who were the winners of the
Burlington County Mock Trial Competition and top 6 in the NJ state competitions. Lead lawyer and team seniority lawyer which means team leader.
4. 12th Grade: Lead Lawyer for NICHHE (Network of Independent Christian Home Educators) Competition will be January 2013. Lead lawyer and
team seniority lawyer which means team leader.
4-H Burlington County Players Drama Club
From Sept 2006-Present, Alex is a member of a Shakespeare Drama club. Alex performed in dramas such as Comedy of Errors, Taming of the Texas
Shrewd, Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing. Alex also helped with crew for various productions both for Jr. and Sr. Drama.
JSA : The Junior State of America (formerly the Junior Statesmen of America)
JSA is an American non-partisan student-run youth organization. It is also the largest high school student-run organization in the country. The
purpose of the JSA is to help high school students acquire leadership skills and the knowledge necessary to be effective debaters and political
members. The JSA is sponsored by the Junior Statesmen Foundation Inc. Besides all day or weekend events, bimonthly meetings are attended.
Saturday, October 13th – NJ Fall Regional: this is a one-day debate event in Princeton, NJ.
November 10-11 – NJ Fall State: this is a two-day event in Woodbridge, NJ. Alex was awarded Best Speaker at one of the room debates.
Part Time Jobs or Internship
1. During the years of 2007-2010, provided various services such as lawn care, painting, leaf management, moving furniture, washing
windows and other odd jobs to various people including Rita McDermont, Bill Evoy, and Bonnie LaRosa.
2. Math Tutor to Robby Burton
Science Educational Experiences:
1. Alex was invited along with his lab to attend various seminars such as the below at Drexel:
Drexel Seminar: Speaker: Eray S. Aydil, Professor, University of Minnesota
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science : Abstract Title: Quantum-dot solar cells
At least a dozen existing technologies produce solar cells with overall power conversion efficiencies ranging from 5% to 40%. Given that these
technologies are available, the question arises as to whether society should invest in research to develop even
more new technologies, or just work to improve existing ones. Even though new technologies are uncertain, they are worth pursuing on the chance
they may lead to even more efficient solar cells at much lower cost, revolutionizing renewable energy.
One such high-risk high-reward technology is based on quantum confinement of electrons and holes in nanometer size crystals (quantum dots or
QDs), which endows them with properties that may be advantageous for efficient solar-to-electric energy conversion. The advantages of using QDs
in solar cells include (i) the tunability of their band gap and energy levels by changing the QD size, (ii) potential for generating multiple electron-hole
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pairs per photon, and (iii) potential for harnessing hot electrons or holes. Moreover, QDs can be prepared in large quantities as stable colloidal
solutions under mild conditions and deposited as thin films through inexpensive high-throughput coating processes to form photovoltaic devices. For
these reasons, solar cells based on QDs may have the potential to achieve high power conversion efficiencies at low cost and are promising
candidates for third generation photovoltaic devices. In this talk, we will explore new types of solar cells that are based on heterojunctions between
QDs and wide band gap semiconductors such as ZnO and TiO2.
Alex was invited along with his lab to attend seminars such as the above at Drexel
2. Drexel University Department of Environmental Health and Safety: Training Courses:
Alex , Materials Engineering, completed the following required training courses:
Bloodborne Pathogens
Centrifuge Safety
Chemical Fume Hood Safety
Chemical Hygiene - Hazard Communication
Emergency Spill Response
Fire Safety in the Laboratory
Hazardous Waste Managment
Laser Safety
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory Protection
Safe Storage and Handling of Compressed Gas
Safe Use of Biological Safety Cabinet
Shipping Biological Materials
3. Drexel/Penn - Philly Materials Science and Engineering Day: College and selected High School students, companies, local museums came to
Drexel. Each set up an informational and/or demonstration table. The public and school students came to learn about material science and
engineering projects. This is a yearly event.
4. NanoDay@Penn: University of Pennsylvania, School of Engineering & Applied Science
Students were selected from Delaware Valley Science Fair. High School students including Alex presented their projects. Later Undergraduate
students from University of Pennsylvania present their projects. This requires placing at DVSF.
5. Mathematics Competition: April 2012: Asked by Calculus Professor at BCC
The (9th annual) New Jersey Undergraduate Mathematics Competition held at the Garden State Undergraduate Mathematics Conference. CoDirected by Katarzyna Kowal & Ken McMurdy
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Francis Su, Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College on "Voting in Agreeable Societies"
Science Experiments and Science Fair Awards
Date February 2007
Title of the Award: First Place at the 2007 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Description of the Award: First place in 6th Grade at the 2007 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair.
Presented by: Cindy Finter, Director New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair \
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the New Jersey Home School Educators 2007 Science
Fair. To encourage the continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the
science fair the Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $50.
Presented by: Nevin P. Carr Jr, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Research
Date: March 2007
Title of the Award: First Place for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering at the 2011 Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Description of the Award: First Place award in the field of engineering at the 26 th annual Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Presented by: Michael F. Christman PhD. President Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Date: April 2007
Title of the Award: Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. First Place in the Albert Einstein Science Fair.
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Description of the Award: First place engineering category award in recognition of outstanding effort, achievement, creative ability, and scientific
thought for a science fair research project.
Presented by: Henry Diston, President Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Date February 2008
Title of the Award: First Place at the 2008 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Description of the Award: First place in 7th Grade at the 2008 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair.
Presented by: Cindy Finter, Director New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Title of the Award: The office of Naval Research Naval Science Award
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the New Jersey Home School Educators 2010 Science
Fair. To encourage the continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the
science fair the Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $50.
Presented by: Nevin P. Carr Jr, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Research
Date: March 2008
Title of the Award: First Place for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering at the 2011 Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Description of the Award: First Place award in the field of engineering at the 27 th annual Coriell Institute Science Fair.
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Presented by: Michael F. Christman PhD. President Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Date: April 2008
Title of the Award: Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. First Place in the Albert Einstein Science Fair.
Description of the Award: First place engineering category award in recognition of outstanding effort, achievement, creative ability, and scientific
thought for a science fair research project.
Presented by: Henry Diston, President Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Gold Medal for the First Place in the Albert Einstein Science Fair. This includes $100 and paid trip to INTEL as an observer which was in Atlanta,
Georgia.
Date: September 3, 2008
Title of the Award: Society for Science & the Public Middle School Program Semifinalist
Description of the Award: Certificate of recognition, 2008 SSP middle school program semifinalist book, and medal commemorating the distinction
of being one of the 300 selected out of 7,500 nominees as a semifinalist.
Presented by: Michele Glidden, Director Science Education Programs, Society for Science & the Public. And by Elizabeth Marincola President,
Society for Science & the Public
Date February 2009
Title of the Award: First Place at the 2009 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Description of the Award: First place in 8th Grade at the 2009 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair.
Presented by: Cindy Finter, Director New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Title of the Award: The office of Naval Research Naval Science Award
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the New Jersey Home School Educators 2009 Science
Fair. To encourage the continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the
science fair the Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $50.
Presented by: Nevin P. Carr Jr, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Research
Date: March 2009
Title of the Award: Third Place for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering at the 2009 Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Description of the Award: First Place award in the field of engineering at the 28 th annual Coriell Institute Science Fair.
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Presented by: Michael F. Christman PhD. President Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Title of the Award: The office of Naval Research Naval Science Award
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the 2009 Coriell Institute Science Fair. To encourage the
continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the science fair the Office
of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $50.
Date: April 2009
Title of the Award: Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. First Place in the Albert Einstein Science. Description of the Award: First place engineering
category award in recognition of outstanding effort, achievement, creative ability, and scientific thought for a science fair research project.
Presented by: Henry Diston, President Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Bronze Medal for the Third Place in the Albert Einstein Science Fair which includes $50.
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Date: February 11, 2010
Title of the Award: First Place at the 2010 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Description of the Award: First place in 9th Grade at the 2010 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair.
Presented by: Cindy Finter, Director New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Date: February 11, 2010
Title of the Award: The office of Naval Research Naval Science Award
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the New Jersey Home School Educators 2010 Science
Fair. To encourage the continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the
science fair the Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $50.
Presented by: Nevin P. Carr Jr, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Research
Date: March 13th, 2010
Title of the Award: Second Place for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering at the 2010 Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Description of the Award: Second place award in the field of engineering at the 29 th annual Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Presented by: Michael F. Christman PhD. President Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Date: April 7, 2010
Title of the Award: Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. Participation in the Benjamin Banneker Science Fair.
Description of the Award: In recognition of outstanding effort, achievement, creative ability, and scientific thought for a science fair research project
and presenting it at the 26th Benjamin Banneker Science Fair.
Presented by: Henry Diston, President Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Date: April 7, 2010
Title of the Award: Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. Third Place in the 26 th Benjamin Banneker Science Fair.
Description of the Award: Third place engineering category award in recognition of outstanding effort, achievement, creative ability, and scientific
thought for a science fair research project.
Presented by: Henry Diston, President Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Date: April 7, 2010
Title of the Award: United States Air Force Achievement Award
Description of the Award: Special award given out by the United States Air Force at the Delaware Valley Science Fair, for outstanding engineering
project.
Presented by: Curtis M. Bedke, Major General, USAF Commander
Date: April 8, 2010
Title of the Award: Haines/NASA Award
Description of the Award: A special award received at the 2010 Delaware Valley Science Fair. This award was an all expenses paid trip for five days
to Melbourne Beach, Florida. As well as a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, and to view the last space shuttle launch of the shuttle Endeavor.
Presented by: Bob Haines, INASCO Inc.
Date: April 8, 2010
Title of the Award: Nanoday @ Penn 2010, Recognition of Achievement Delaware Valley Science Fair
Description of the Award: In recognition of winning a place award with a category at the 2010 Delaware Valley Science Fair, this award made me
eligible to participate in a high school science expo at Nanoday@Penn 2010 at the University of Pennsylvania on October 27, 2010.
Presented by: James McGonigle, Program Director, Nano/Bio Interface Center (NBIC).
Date: October 27, 2010
Title of the Award: Certificate of Participation in Nanoday at Penn 2010
Description of the Award: In recognition of participation at NanoDay at Penn 2010, and contributing my experiences in high school science research
with Nano/Bio Interface Center at the University of Pennsylvania a certificate of achievement was given.
Presented by: James McGonigle, Director for Programs Nano/Bio Interface Center.
Date: February 4, 2011
Title of the Award: The Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the New Jersey Home School Educators 2011 Science
Fair. To encourage the continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the
science fair the Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $50.
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Presented by: Nevin P. Carr Jr, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Research.
Date: February 4, 2011
Title of the Award: First Place at the 2010 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Description of the Award: First place in 11 Grade at the 2011 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair.
Presented by: Roy Costa, Director New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Date: March 12th, 2011
Title of the Award: First Place for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering at the 2011 Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Description of the Award: First Place award in the field of engineering at the 30 th annual Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Presented by: Michael F. Christman PhD. President Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Date: April 6, 2011
Title of the Award: Leonardo da Vinci Society Award
Description of the Award: A special award from the Leonardo da Vinci Society for my engineering project at the Delaware Valley Science Fair.
Presented by: Robert Auerbach, President. John Bravo, General Secretary. And Slavko Brkich, CEO.
Date: April 6, 2011
Title of the Award: The 2011 Regional Ricoh Sustainable Development Award
Description of the Award: A special award received at the 2011 Delaware Valley Science Fair, because my project demonstrated “principles and
technical innovations that offer the greatest potential for sustainable development”.
Presented by: Ienobu Kakegawa, Vice President Environmental Sustainability Ricoh Americas Corporation. And Robert Whitehouse, Director
Environmental Management and Production Compliance, Ricoh Americas Corporation.
Date: April 6, 2011
Title of the Award:
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the 2011 Delaware Valley Science Fair Science Fair. To
encourage the continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the science
fair the Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $75.
Presented by: Nevin P. Carr Jr, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Research.
Date: April 6, 2011
Title of the Award: Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. Second Place in the Benjamin Franklin Science Fair.
Description of the Award: Second place engineering category award in recognition of outstanding effort, achievement, creative ability, and scientific
thought for a science fair research project.
Presented by: Henry Diston, President Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Date: February 9, 2012
Title of the Award: First Place at the 2010 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Description of the Award: First place in 9th Grade at the 2010 New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair.
Presented by: Roy Costa, Director New Jersey Home Educators Science Fair
Title of the Award:
Description of the Award: Department of the Navy naval science special award, presented at the 2011 Delaware Valley Science Fair Science Fair. To
encourage the continued interests of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and recognized my achievements in the science
fair the Office of Naval Research (ONR) provided myself with an award, valued at $75.
Date: March 2012
Title of the Award: First Place for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering at the 2011 Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Description of the Award: First Place award in the field of engineering at the 31 th annual Coriell Institute Science Fair.
Presented by: Michael F. Christman PhD. President Coriell Institute for Medical Research
`
Title of Award: Best of Fair for 9-12 Graders. $500 cash
Presented by: Michael F. Christman PhD. President Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Date: April 6, 2012
Title of the Award: Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. Second Place in the Marie Curie Science. Description of the Award: Second place
engineering category award in recognition of outstanding effort, achievement, creative ability, and scientific thought for a science fair research
project.
Presented by: Henry Diston, President Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
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Date: October 28, 2012
Title of the Award: Certificate of Participation in Nanoday at Penn 2012
Description of the Award: In recognition of participation at NanoDay at Penn 2012, and contributing my experiences in high school science research
with Nano/Bio Interface Center at the University of Pennsylvania a certificate of achievement was given.
Presented by: James McGonigle, Director for Programs Nano/Bio Interface Center.
Title of Award: Second Place Award for Penn Nanoday
Presented by: James McGonigle, Director for Programs Nano/Bio Interface Center.
Public Speaking Certificates
Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program Certificate
Manus Oratorum Debate and Speech Team
Introduction to Policy Debate Day Camp Certificate
Introduction to Extemporaneous Speaking Certificate
Reading Program Achievement
Date: September, 2008.
Title of the Award: The State of New Jersey Citation
Description of the Award: Senate & General Assembly of the State of New Jersey Citation, commending the outstanding educational achievement
obtained while participating in the 2008 Burlington Country library summer reading program.
Presented by: Philip Haines, Senator. And by Dawn Marie Addiego & Scott Rudder Members of the General Assembly.
Date: September, 2009.
Title of Award: Certificate of Achievement 2009 Summer Reading 100 Hours Plus Club
Description of the Award: A Certificate of Achievement for 108hrs of reading during the 2009 Summer.
Presented by: Joseph B. Donnelly, Deputy Director, Board of Chosen Freeholders, Burlington County New Jersey. And by Susan Frazier, Youth
Services Coordinator at Burlington County Library.
Date: September, 2010.
Title of Award: Certificate of Achievement 2010 Summer Reading 100 Hours Plus Club
Description of the Award: A Certificate of Achievement for 115hrs of reading during the 2010 Summer.
Presented by: Joseph B. Donnelly, Deputy Director, Board of Chosen Freeholders, Burlington County New Jersey. And by Susan Frazier, Youth
Services Coordinator at Burlington County Library.
Date: September, 2011.
Title of Award: Certificate of Achievement 2010 Summer Reading 100 Hours Plus Club
Description of the Award: A Certificate of Achievement for 115hrs of reading during the 2011 Summer.
Presented by: Joseph B. Donnelly, Deputy Director, Board of Chosen Freeholders, Burlington County New Jersey. And by Susan Frazier, Youth
Services Coordinator at Burlington County Library.
Mock Trial Achievements:
Date: March 2010
Title of the Award: Best Rookie on the NICHE Mock Trial Team
Description of the Award: Best rookie on the NICHE mock trial team, because of my efforts the NICHE mock trial team was the 2010 Burlington
County mock trial champions.
Date: March 2010, 2011 & 2012
Title of the Awards: Certificate of Achievement for Participation on the NICHE Mock Trial Team
Description of the Awards: Certificate of Achievement in recognition of my contribution to and participation on the 2009/2010 , 2010/2011,
2011/2012 Burlington County NITCHE mock trial champions!
March 2011/2012 & 2012/ 2013
Lead Lawyer / Senior Lawyer/Team Leader:
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Duties included encouraging and assisting other team members with their various homework assignments, helping the less experienced lawyers
prepare for a mixture of trials, preparing team members for assortment of judges, practicing with all team members and assisting coaches in any
manner possible.
Date: May 2010, 2011 & 2012
Title of Award: Burlington County Bar Association Mock Trial Champion Certificate
Description of the Award: A certificate commemorating my efforts on the 2010 Burlington County champion NICHE mock trial team.
Presented by: The Burlington County Bar Association
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