October 2011 - The Ohio State University

OSAA E-NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
New members join the Ohio STEM Ability Alliance
Inside this issue:
New OSAA Members
1
Diverse-Ability U. 2011
2
Dayton QUAD News
3-8
Columbus QUAD News
8-9
STEM News
1011
Work Sited
5
Inside Story
6
New OSAA Students from WSU and OSU at Diverse-Ability U.
Welcome to the 2011-2012 Academic Year! As fall kicks off the new school year, many
new participants have joined our OSAA programs bringing the total in the two Quads to
164 active students! The Dayton Quad currently has 103 OSAA Scholars from Sinclair
Community College and Wright State University. The Columbus Quad currently has 61
active members, including 40 college students from The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College and 21 high school students.
Many of our new college students received Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarships from
a grant awarded to OSAA by the Ohio Board of Regents. Academically competitive
awards are made to individual OSAA students in the amounts of $1500 to $4700 for an
academic year. Forty-two students from the Dayton Quad were awarded with a COF
Scholarship this fall. Ohio State University has provided scholarship money to 17 students as of spring quarter 2011. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2011
-12 academic year. For more information, visit our website at www.wright.edu/osaa/.
This project is supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grants #HRD-0833644 & #HRD-0833561. Any opinions, findings and
conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science
Foundation.
Page 2
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
Diverse-Ability U. 2011
Problem Solving in the Artificial Intelligence/Gaming module
Bowling
Over the summer, Wright State and
Ohio State University collaborated to
host the second annual edition of Diverse-Ability U. Diverse-Ability U. is a
free, pre-college, five-day residential
experience held on the campus of
Wright State University. It is open to
students with disabilities entering 11th
and 12th grades who are planning to
attend college and have an interest in
pursuing STEM majors. The experience is designed to help prepare students for the challenges of living independently and succeeding academically on a college campus while learning about opportunities for studies and
careers in STEM fields.
Helping to guide the students throughout the week were a select group of
dedicated OSAA college scholars,
some of whom were D.U. alums themselves. The opportunity gave the high
school students time to get to know
current college students with disabilities in STEM related majors. They
served as great leaders during the
week and will continue to be involved
with OSAA as we move into fall quarter.
Twenty-six students arrived on Wright
State’s campus on July 17th where they
settled in the Honors Residential Hall.
The week included self-advocacy skill
development and STEM academics
modules in artificial intelligence, neuroscience and human factors. These activities and modules gave them the
opportunity to examine preserved brain
specimens, create and
Wheelchair Basketball
Making model brains in the Neuroscience
module
Communication Skills during Ropes Course
execute computer programs, and test
their own problem solving abilities.
Other sessions, conducted by the Office of Disability Services and OSAA
staff, discussed the challenges of college life, support services available to
students, internship opportunities and
the personal skills that lead to success
in college. The students also got to
bond with each other through social
activities including swimming, off- campus bowling, adaptive recreational
sports and the low ropes course on
Achilles Hill. One of the highlights of
this year’s camp were the presentations the students gave at the closing
ceremony. Students formed small
groups and created presentations highlighting a STEM problem they were
exposed to during the week, their solution and what they learned.
This Year’s Diverse-Ability U. was a
huge success! As the school year progresses, the high school students who
attended Diverse-Ability U., as well as
others who join during the year, will
have more opportunities to be a part of
OSAA through our mentoring programs, campus visits. and student
learning communities
If you or someone you know is interested in next year’s Diverse-Ability U.
residential experience, registration will
start early spring of 2012. More information will be posted closer to this
date in our OSAA newsletter and at
http://www.wright.edu/osaa/.
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
Page 3
OSAA Dayton QUAD News
OSAA Graduate Featured in CNN Article
Todd Sollar participated in the Dayton Quad at Sinclair Community College where he received OSAA advising and
Choose Ohio First scholarship funding. The CNN article about his success is reprinted below.
Sollar at Sinclair Community College
Ohio man says 'bypassing' college a mistake
By Katherine Dorsett, CNN
August 10, 2011 8:54 a.m. EDT
(CNN) -- Todd Sollar used to think a college education was a waste of time and money.
"I thought I could bypass college after high school and get a good paying job with General Motors and avoid the high
cost of an education," he said.
The 34-year-old from Centerville, Ohio, was groomed as a young adult to work with his hands and to pursue production
jobs in his hometown area near Dayton.
After high school, he worked for two years at Airborne Express (now DHL) in Wilmington, Ohio, then moved to the General Motors' Moraine plant where he worked on the body shop assembly line for 11 years churning out Chevrolet Trailblazers, GMC Envoys and even Saab SUVs.
"The money and benefits at GM were good and I was very comfortable," he said.
The good life didn't last as long as Sollar wanted. In 2008, GM closed his plant, leaving him and thousands of others
without jobs.
"It felt like the end of the world and I was scared when they let us go," he said. "It was a struggle, because I thought we'd
stay open."
I thought I could bypass college after high school and get a good paying job with General Motors and avoid the high cost
of an education.
--Todd Sollar
Page 4
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
GM was the only way of life for many former employees and the plant closure was a major blow to their psyches.
Employment options for a high school graduate in the Dayton, Ohio, area were bleak when Sollar lost his job in 2008.
The economy was in a downturn and the possibility of finding a job that paid well was slim. He and his former colleagues
struggled to find work.
Two of his friends committed suicide after they were let go from GM. Sollar vowed to find a positive path toward his new
future, despite the dismal economic climate.
"My only hope for a decent job at that time required me to seek out a higher education," he said.
In the Fall quarter of 2008, Sollar enrolled in Sinclair Community College in Dayton and pursued an associate degree in
applied science in automation and control technology with robotics. Sinclair is one of nearly 1,200 public and community
colleges across the U.S.
This year, Sinclair's summer session had the highest enrollment in the school's nearly 125-year history, with 13,041 students enrolled, a 3% increase over last year. The school's president, Dr. Steven Johnson, said community colleges
across the country are experiencing increases in enrollments, as well.
Johnson said a downturn in the economy is among the biggest reasons why more Americans are enrolling in community
colleges, these days. The Dayton area has been hit especially hard with job losses in the automotive industry. Students
are seeking new marketable job skills and community colleges offer a viable means to that end.
"Community colleges are a great value for the money and are less expensive than a four-year institution," he said. "For
some students, a two-year degree makes more sense than a four-year college experience."
Sollar graduated with honors from Sinclair in June 2011.
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
Page 5
For Sollar, scholarships and grants covered his full-time tuition, which averages between $2,259 to $3,598 a year at Sinclair. A severance package deal from GM covered his living expenses while he attended school.
He had to take additional classes beyond the core curriculum to make up for the lack of college prep classes he missed
taking in high school. Despite the extra workload, he graduated with honors in June of 2011.
Looking back, Sollar wished he would have attended community college earlier in his life, instead of waiting until his 30s
to attend school.
"Nothing is permanent in this world, especially jobs," he said. "You can't take for granted that a job is going to support
you for your entire life."
Sollar said an education was the key to expanding his horizons and opening new employment possibilities.
Sinclair is one of nearly 1,200 public and community colleges across the U.S.
Before graduation, he landed a job with Gosiger Automation in Dayton, where he now works full-time as an electronic
mechanical technician. He's not making as much money as he once did with GM, but hopes that will change one day as
he advances through his newly developed career.
He said he couldn't have landed this position without attending Sinclair.
"When I was in high school, I was told that I was not 'college material,'" he said. "Yet, I discovered later in life, that wasn't
true."
Sollar's wife, who is due with their first child in October, plans to encourage his future child to receive a higher education,
too.
"My child will have no choice," he chuckled. "I will make that kid attend college." (Dorsett, 2011)
To view this article: http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/28/return.to.school.sinclair.college/index.html
Page 6
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
Scholars share STEM Internships Experience in STREAMS Program
This past summer I had the opportunity to participate in the ShortTerm Training Program to Increase Diversity in Health-Related
Research (STREAMS) at Wright State University. Fourteen undergraduate and master’s degree students were selected from
across the United States and Puerto Rico to participate in the
program. We spent four days out of the week conducting research and then every Thursday we would gather for Journal
Club and a Translational Medicine seminar. My research this
summer was under the mentorship of Dr. Morris and Dr. Pohlman
and was looking at how exercise can help mitigate complications
of obesity such as Type II Diabetes. Working in Dr. Morris’ laboratory I was able not only to gain experience in research techniques but also to communicate and participate in a research
group. On a daily basis I got to work alongside other undergraduates as well as students perusing their masters and PhDs as well
as with a post doctorate fellow. During Journal Club we each
presented a journal article that was pertinent to the research we
were participating in. The Translational Medicine seminar allowed us to learn from various professionals in a health-related
research field from multiple countries. The culmination of
STREAMS was a poster symposium for which every student created a poster of the research they had conducted and then presented the poster. I was privileged to conduct research under the
mentorship of Dr. Morris and Dr. Pohlman. STREAMS allowed
me to gain valuable laboratory experience as well as connect with
other students and professors from around the world. It was an
experience I would recommend to any student who wants to pursue a career in biomedical sciences.
-Katherine
STREAMS Student: Jacob
STREAMS Student: Katherine
Over the past three summers I have had the wonderful opportunity of participating in Short Term Research Experience Access to Minority Students or
STREAMS program. STREAMS gives students a
chance to spend a full summer working in a research
laboratory in the medical sciences with a mentor as
well as attend weekly workshops and journal clubs.
Not only does STREAMS provide research experience but it also promotes professional networking
and career development.
After my first summer in STREAMS, I was able to
confirm my desire to be a researcher in the area of
Psychological and Neurological sciences. I firmly
believe that STREAMS provided me with a strong
foundation of skill sets that will prepare me to enter
graduate school. Any STEM student with a disability
looking for a summer internship should check out
STREAMS, as it is a paid internship and provides
free, accessible, housing on Wright State's campus
for the duration of the summer.
-Jacob
For more information on the STREAMS program visit http://www.med.wright.edu/streams/
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
Page 7
WSU Host First OSAA Scholar’s Meeting
Wright State’s OSAA held their first Scholars Student Learning Community meeting of the school year on Thursday,
September 15. A total of fifty students attended to meet new
and returning OSAA scholars. During the meeting, Dr. Shingledecker gave a brief overview of the OSAA program and
its objectives, as well as the benefits available to participants. Ability Advisor, Brittany Boyne, discussed upcoming
opportunities for Scholar’s Dollars, career fairs, and internships. Returning students shared advice and highlights of
their personal experiences in the OSAA program with the
group. The next meeting will be held October 12 at 6:00 pm
in Med Sci 035.
OSAA Scholar’s meeting
Welcome George Bourelle– New WSU OSAA Mentor/Mentee Program Intern
As a second year member of the Student Affairs in Higher Education
graduate program, I am excited to be a part of Ohio’s STEM Ability
Alliance. Professionally, I have worked as the Graduate Assistant for
the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at WSU since July 2010, as
well as interning at Cedarville University in Student Life Programs during Winter Semester 2011. I have focused my academic research in
several areas, including: mental health issues and academic success
among college students, the millennial student population, and the
Gates Foundation’s Completion by Design Preventing Loss, Gaining
Momentum pathway to completion model. I also completed my undergraduate work at Wright State, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in
English Literature with an Emphasis in Professional Writing.
George Bourelle
My focus this fall will be coordinating the OSAA Mentor/Mentee program. I look forward to working with OSAA students, as we will learn
from one another through sharing and discussing our mutual college
experiences.
Page 8
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
OSAA Columbus QUAD News
Spring Student Learning Community Participants Join OSAA
Right before the beginning of summer, two Beginner Student Learning Communities were held at Columbus area high
schools. Students learned about internships, postsecondary programs, and STEM careers. They also worked on their
resumes, personal statements, and self-advocacy plans. These students will continue with OSAA by being involved in
the mentoring program, in which they are matched with a college student and communicate through our social networking site and STEM events. In addition, some of the high school students who participated in the spring student learning
communities went on to attend Diverse-Ability U. in July.
Partner Breakfast-July 2011
With school being out of session and most students either enjoying the
summer, catching up on a few classes, or taking part in an internship, the
Columbus Quad took advantage of bringing together its campus and
community partners to discuss the direction of OSAA programming and
collaboration and how we can use our resources. The featured guest
speaker was LeDerick Horne, a poet, entrepreneur, and disability rights
advocate. He spoke to the OSAA partners about his experiences in the
classroom and what it was like going through school with a disability and
not having the resources he needed to be successful. He went on to highlight how he overcame many obstacles in his education to become a successful professional. His speech inspired a lot of discussion among the
partners in attendance who will be able to collaborate more in the future.
We look forward to more meetings with our campus and community partners over the school year!
Mentor Mingle at Staff Benda Bilili Concert– September 2011
The Columbus Quad will be starting off the school year with a mentor mingle at the Staff Benda Bilili concert on September 23. The ensemble is made up of a group of mostly paraplegic street musicians from Kinshasa, the capital and largest
city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They forged their unique mix of ecstatic soul, funk, and African rumba
while performing for crowds outside the Kinshasa zoo perched on their amazing customized tricycles. Staff Benda Bilili
have now moved on to win legions of fans with their own brand of raw power in songs that document daily life in Kinshasa and celebrating their own experiences with uplifting transcendence. Students will have the opportunity to catch up
with their mentors and each other before heading to the show.
Check out their website at http://www.staffbendabilili.com/ .
OSAA NEWS
Issue 9, Fall 2011
Page 9
Spring Student Learning Community Participants Join OSAA

Congrats 2011 High School Graduates! 1 OSAA high school graduate will be attending Ohio State this fall while
2 will be attending Columbus State.

Congrats 2011 College Graduates! The Columbus Quad has a biology student and a welding engineering student who earned their undergraduate degrees this year and will be starting their graduate school careers this
fall. Additionally, a student who completed his ecology and evolutionary biology degree started working full-time
at the Ohio State Stone Lab, located on Gibraltar Island in Lake Erie. Congrats to all the graduates and good
luck in your next endeavors!

Choose Ohio First Scholarship applications are now being accepted at OSU! For eligibility information and an
application, please visit: http://nisonger.osu.edu/osaa/cof.htm

A new Advanced Student Learning Community group will be getting under way during Autumn Quarter. Students will learn about internships, postsecondary programs, STEM positions, as well as work on their resumes,
personal statements, and self-advocacy plans. They’ll also have opportunities to tour different STEM labs and
attend events from featured guests. Welcome to OSAA!

The Columbus Quad will once again be putting on a mentoring contest where high school and college students
involved in the program can earn points for participating in activities throughout the year. The mentoring program utilizes Ning, a social networking site designed for OSAA members with features for blogging, events, and
chatting with other members. It’s a great way to stay connected! Details on the contest will be out soon.
News
Excerpts from STEMscape Newsletter and the Ohio STEM Learning Network Website
Science education is a key to jobs and success
THE EXAMINER, 7/25/11 Monday, August 29, 2011
Science, math, technology, and engineering know-how are 21st century game changers. The Framework for K-12 Science Education, a recently released report from The National Academies of Science, emphasizes the critical importance
of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, reports The Examiner.
STEM News continue...
The Framework identifies and describes the key, basic ideas and practices in the natural sciences, math, technology,
and engineering that all students should be familiar with by the time they graduate from high school.
To read full story visit: http://www.examiner.com/technology-education-in-newark/science-education-is-a-key-to-jobsand-success#ixzz1W4ACi9fb.
Big push for science and math degrees paying off
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ohio's public colleges and universities have seen a 20 percent jump in students graduating with degrees in science,
math and technology-related fields from 2006-2010, reports the Dayton Daily News.
Better job opportunities, higher pay and a coordinated effort by educators and lawmakers across the state and the nation
focused on graduating students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs have all contributed to
the increase.
Android App to help you find Disability Information or Support
Are you on the go, but really need to find an organization in your state that has disability information or provides support
for parents? Or do you need the contact information for a national disability specific organization? NICHCY has just the
app for you! Find the contact information for organizations providing information on disabilities, special education, early
intervention, support groups, and many more while you are at a doctor’s appointment or even at a school meeting with
just a tap of your finger!
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.amdee.disabilityconnect
Internships, Scholarships & Opportunities
COSI Academy for high school students: http://www.cosi.org/educators/mentoring/cosi-academy/
SMART Scholarship for Service Program: http://smart.asee.org/
Disability Scholarships at Disaboom: http://www.disaboom.com/scholarships
National Science Fair for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students (grade 6-12):
http://www.ntid.rit.edu/prospective/science/enter.php
REU’s for undergraduates at Ohio State’s Stone Lab: http://stonelab.osu.edu/reu/
Works Cited
Dorsett, K. (2011, August 10). Ohio Man says "bypassing" College a mistake. CNN , 2.