The National Science Foundation has granted Dr. Milan Curcic, a University of Miami ocean scientist, a $700,000 CAREER grant to support his research and partnership with East Hampton High School’s science program. This collaboration provides high school students, like Cole Dunchick and Ella Menu, with hands-on experience in studying hurricane-driven waves in advanced laboratories.
Cole reached out to Dr. Curcic in 2024, seeking mentorship for his research project. His thorough email and a scientific poster impressed Dr. Curcic, leading to a mentorship that included summer lab work at the Rosenstiel School. Cole applied Python and NOAA data to analyze hurricanes, blending lab experiments with real-world data.
Ella, now a senior, also benefited from Dr. Curcic’s guidance while running experiments in the wind-wave tank. Her research focuses on wave behavior under strong winds and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her academic journey.
East Hampton High School Principal Sara Smith praises the program for providing students with experiences typically reserved for postgraduate levels, enhancing their college admissions prospects. Dr. Curcic’s grant will continue to facilitate these opportunities, cultivating students’ scientific knowledge and soft skills. Cole, now at Duke University, reflects positively on how his experiences prepared him for college research, expressing hope that future students will enjoy similar opportunities. Dr. Curcic plans to increase his engagement with East Hampton students, potentially through local field experiments and symposium visits.
