Mount Academy for Scientific Exploration (MASE)

About the MASE Programs
Location and Facilities
Dates
Instructors
Registration
Contact Us
ADA Compliance

About the MASE Programs

Overview

The 2009 Mount Academy for Scientific Exploration (MASE) represents a cooperative learning endeavor between Churchill High School in Rockville, MD and Mount St. Mary’s University.  Two MASE programs are being offered: a Biotechnology program (download brochure) and a Watershed Ecology program (download brochure). Students eligible to participate in the MASE Biotechnology Program will have participated in a year-long molecular genetics course and maintained a 3.0 grade point average.  After successfully completing both the course and the MASE program, participants receive the equivalent of 4 college credits in biology. Students eligible to participate in the MASE Watershed Ecology Program will have completed AP Environmental Science and maintained a 3.0 grade point average.  After successfully completing the MASE program, participants receive the equivalent of 2 college credits in environmental science.

Purpose

The purpose is to provide a fun and challenging two week college-level research experience for third year high school students in an effort to encourage continued interest and pursuit of scientific inquiry among these students. Students will learn about Biology through hands-on experimentation in a small-class atmosphere by a University Professor. In addition students will learn advanced laboratory techniques and will employ the scientific method to design and conduct their own independent research projects.

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Location and Facilities

The Mount Academy takes place on the beautiful campus of Mount Saint Mary's University, near Emmitsburg, MD. The University in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounded by many unique ecosystems and habitats.  It is about a one hour drive from Baltimore and Washington D.C., and 1½  hours from Annapolis and is located on the west side of U.S. Route 15.

Students will work in the recently renovated Coad Science Building on MSMU’s beautiful 1,400-acre campus. In the Watershed Ecology program students will take several field trips to nearby natural areas such as Catoctin State Park and the Monocacy River. Students have the option to stay overnight in air-conditioned University housing during the week.

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Dates

MASE Biotechnology Program: June 22 – July 3, 2009 (excluding the weekend of June 27-28)

MASE Watershed Ecology Program: July 20 – July 31, 2009 (excluding the weekend of July 25-26)

The program runs from 9:00 am Monday to 5:00 pm Friday each week. Students staying in University housing are required to go home on the weekends (5:00 pm Friday through 9:00 am Monday). Students will eat in the University cafeteria. In the evenings students will have homework and organized social activities (swimming, volleyball, movies, etc.) and will be supervised by MASE counselors.

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Instructors

Dr. Christine McCauslin, an assistant professor of Biochemistry at MSMU, has more than 12 years of research experience in the areas of cell and molecular biology and has worked at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD.

Dr. Jennifer Staiger, an assistant professor of Biology at MSMU, has more than 12 years of research experience in the areas of immunology and molecular biology and has worked at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Simmons, an associate professor of Environmental Science at MSMU, has 13 years of experience in Higher Education and is the author of 15 publications in the area of ecology and environmental science education.

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Registration

Download the registration form for the Biotechnology program or the Watershed Ecology program. Or contact Lisa Rhoads, administrative assistant, for a registration form. Tuition for the 2009 program is $1,090 per student. Tuition is reduced to $990 if payment is received in full by 27 February 2009. A minimum deposit of $500 is due by 1 May 2009 to reserve a slot. Payment in full is due by 1 June 2009.

For students staying overnight, $600 per student is charged for room and board for the two-week period (excluding the weekend). Room and board payments are due by 1 June 2009.

Please make checks payable to Mount St. Mary’s University.

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Contact Us

Mount Academy for Scientific Exploration
c/o Lisa Rhoads
Science Department
Mount Saint Mary's University
16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd.
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
(301)  447-5376
(301) 447-5021 (fax)

For questions about the MASE Biotechnology Program contact:
Dr. Christine McCauslin
301-447-5820 x4864  
mccauslin@msmary.edu

or

Dr. Jennifer Staiger
301-447-5820 x4387
staiger@msmary.edu

Or for questions about the MASE Watershed Ecology Program contact:
Dr. Jeff Simmons
301-447-5820 x4863
simmons@msmary.edu

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ADA Compliance

It is the policy of Mount Saint Mary's University to comply with the provisions of the Americans and Disabilities Act in making its programs and facilities accessible. If you need special provisions made, please contact Lisa Rhoads at 301-447-5376.

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