Name: Michael Hennigan
Classification: junior
Hometown: Beaumont
Major: Physics
Research topic: Behavior of the surface of liquids in reduced gravity
Synopsis of research: During his work with a Lamar University team in the NASA Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program, Hennigan hypothesized a means of controlling the shape of a liquid’s surface to form a variable focus reflective dish. By fixing a boundary on the inside of a container such as a glass to stop the rise of the liquid and controlling the volume of liquid, one could control the geometry of the liquid’s surface. Such a technique could aid in producing a cost-effective liquid space telescope. As a McNair Scholar, Hennigan gathered evidence to support his hypothesis with laboratory testing using a free fall to simulate reduced gravity. He will perform further experiments in June 2008 when a team he leads, the Epipleonauts, participates in a NASA reduced gravity flight.
Dates of research: April 2005 to present
Presentations: McNair Scholars Symposium at Lamar University, November 2007.
Faculty mentors: Dr. Jim Jordan
Michael Hennigan: “More than anything, it has inspired me to stick to the plan of going to graduate school. If it wasn’t for the McNair Scholars program, I might have considered even dropping out of school or just getting a bachelor’s degree. The program has made me feel confident that I can get into graduate school. That’s really helped me stay focused on that goal.”
