2007 Summer Program Staff

Donna Hammer

Associate Director of MRSEC and Director of Summer Programs

We started the MRSEC Summer Programs in 2000 with just two science and engineering camps. The success of those two camps has lead to the development and implementation of over 10 different camps with multiple sessions. My work for this program includes camp curriculum development, hiring and training the instructors, program assessment, and participating in camp activities. The outcome of the camps has been tremendous due to great staff, motivating science and engineering activities, and a lot of fun!

Julie Callis

As the MRSEC Program Manager, I organize the camp registration and field all inquiries regarding camp logistics. In addition, I provide IT support for camp computers including networking and software applications. I also help with events including final presentations and evaluation.

Alex Prasertchoung

I received my Bachelor Degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College, London in 1997, a Master Degree and a Ph.D. from University of Maryland in 2001 and 2006, respectively. During my Ph.D., I spent about 1 year and a half working in the industry at Fujitsu Laboratory Ltd. in Japan, and Fannie Mae. These experiences, in additional to the education experiences, really helped broaden my background and skills in education outreach, which I very much enjoy. I am pleased that I am able to contribute my knowledge and teach children, and help the community. This is going to be the second year that I am running the electronics camp. Apart from work, I like painting. I play rugby and soccer. I am an active participant in the USTA tennis league.

Erin Lukomska-Schlauch

I am Erin Lukomska-Schlauch and this is my third year working as a Camp Instructor for MRSEC. I graduated from Parkdale High School with a University High School Natural Science Diploma. I am currently attending the University of Maryland, where I am working on obtaining a bachelors degree in both Secondary Education and Biology. In 2005, I helped as an assistant for the Microscopy and Biomaterials Camp as well as the Science Engineering and You Camp. In 2006, I led the Microscopy Camp and assisted in several other camps including the high school Inventors Camp and Electronics Camp. I enjoy teaching all ages. I am very excited to continue working with the new campers this summer. My aspiration is to teach at the high school level. My course load includes classes such as: Population Biology, Molecular Biology and General Chemistry. I have studied everything from the fine workings of a cell to the complete organism and gained extensive lab experience.

Jimmy Nguyen

I am a Junior at the University of Maryland. I try to stay as active as possible at the University in the little spare time I have as an aerospace engineering major. Besides school, I have been in the UMCP Fencing team and Terp Wushu clubs, and I enjoy rock climbing, tennis, and swimming. My future goals are to earn an MBA, purchase a Ferrari, travel around the world, skydive, and fly/own a plane. I used to teach Taekwondo in my high school years to adults, so this is my first time teaching people of a younger generation. I used to volunteer for a spy camp for MRSEC, and this will be my first year officially working at MRSEC. I am very excited to be here, and I look forward to interacting with kids of all ages and helping them enjoy their stay at the university.

Ryan Field

I have recently completed my B.S. degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering at North Carolina State University, and this fall I will begin work on my Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Columbia University. Throughout my undergraduate education, I have been engaged in education and outreach. I have worked with two middle school math enrichment programs over the summer, led undergraduate electronics and physics labs, and recently taught fourth grade science classes twice a week in the public schools in Raleigh, NC. I enjoy teaching and working with young students to help them spark an interest in science. In my spare time, I enjoy running and am currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon this fall.

Sam Teitelbaum

I am Sam Teitelbaum, I’ve just finished my freshman year here at College Park. I’m declared as a chemistry major, but I’m taking physics classes while avoiding declaring a double major. This will be my first year at MRSEC, if not my first time teaching. Previously, I have taught stage combat, acting, drawing, organic chemistry, and math in various contexts. I hope to start research this fall, schedule permitting.

Stephen Zhu

Hi, I'm a high school senior at River Hill HS and this is my first year working with MRSEC. Previously, I have completed both research internships and volunteer summer camps at NASA. This year, I've been teaching and assisting at the Space Engineering, Nanoscience, and Art, Science & Engineering camps and the experience has been wonderful. I enjoy watching the kids grow and learn in each session and, at the end of the week, leave with something new in their minds. I will graduate next year and hope to enroll in a four-year college to pursue a degree in economics and finance.

Eliot Hammer

I am Eliot Hammer, and this is my second year working at a MRSEC Summer Camp. Last year, I worked the Science Engineering and You Camp. I am going into my sophomore year at Haddon Heights High School. I participate in the football and track and field programs. Next school year, I am taking an honors chemistry course as well as a marine biology course.