2026 VAMPY Course List
After reading the descriptions and noting the qualifying ACT or SAT scores for each class, please write the name of your first, second, and third choices in the spaces provided on the application. Consider your choices carefully. You need to be interested in the class you choose as well as willing to give your best effort for three weeks. If your first choice is filled, you will be placed in the next available choice.
An ACT or SAT score is required for all VAMPY applicants. Students who have registered to take the ACT or SAT by April 11 may apply and provide scores at a later date.
Astronomy
Madison Staton
In this inquiry-driven astronomy course, students will explore how the universe works by investigating powerful phenomena—from meteors streaking across Earth’s sky to stars that suddenly appear and disappear. Using real-world events like the Chelyabinsk meteor and historical observations of exploding stars, students will figure out how gravity, energy, and motion govern objects in space and shape Earth’s past, present, and future.
By day, students will study orbital motion, gravitational interactions, asteroid impacts, and Earth’s geologic history to understand how collisions from space have influenced life on our planet and how we can prepare for future threats. They will also explore why stars shine, how they change over time, and how the elements that make up our world were forged in stellar interiors and cosmic events.
By night, students will learn to use telescopes to observe the sky, identify stars, planets, and constellations, and connect their observations to the larger structure and history of the universe. Throughout the course, students will engage in modeling, data analysis, and scientific argumentation—building the skills needed to think like astronomers and to carry a lifelong curiosity about the cosmos.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥18 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510
About The Teacher
My name is Madison Staton, and I am your astronomy instructor. A bit about me… I am
from Morgantown, KY, where I teach a variety of science courses at Butler County High
School, including Anatomy and Physiology, Forensics, and Environmental Science. I
attended the Mahurin Honors College at Western Kentucky University, where I received
my Bachelor’s degree in Middle School Science Education in 2019. In 2021, I earned
my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology
from Purdue University. In 2022, I earned my Rank 1 in STEM Teaching Leadership from
the NASA Endeavor STEM Teaching Program. When not teaching, I love gardening, cooking,
playing board games, and spending time with my family.
Chemistry
Trevor Webster
Students in this course will take an in-depth look at matter and energy. Each day students will be engaged in lessons that will develop their chemical content knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and problem solving skills. By the end of the course, successful students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure and properties of chemical systems using the practices of the discipline, including: developing and using models; analyzing and interpreting data; using mathematics and computational thinking; designing and conducting experiments; obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information; and more. Through participation in course activities, students will gain experience in the cross-cutting concepts of cause and effect, patterns, structure and function, stability and change, and scale, proportion, and quantity. Students will participate in at least one laboratory activity daily, along with engaging demonstrations that develop interest and curiosity about the content. (They will be expected to adhere to the safety rules set forth on the first day of class.) Throughout the class, students will also have problem-solving opportunities as they develop a deep understanding of chemistry content.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥18 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SATCR≥510
About The Teacher
My name is Trevor Webster, and I teach at Bowling Green High School. I have been teaching
for 5 years now, and teach the subjects of Chemistry and Earth Science. I have a Master's
Degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor's in Education. This will be my 5th year working
at VAMPY, and I am excited to spread the love of Chemistry to others willing to learn!
DNA & Genetics
Colten Collings
Dive into the fascinating world of genetics, where science meets real-world innovation. In this engaging course, you'll explore the building blocks of life, uncovering the mysteries of DNA, genes, and inheritance. Starting with the basics of DNA structure and Mendelian genetics, you'll advance to tackle real-world genetic challenges, from understanding genetic disorders to exploring cutting-edge applications in medicine and biotechnology. This course will provide a scaffolded learning experience accessible to all students, starting with foundational genetics concepts and advancing to college-level studies in genetics. This course involves mixed methods of inquiry and explicit instruction, where minds-on learning takes center stage with daily lab experiments and interactive demonstrations that bring genetics to life. Whether you're passionate about biology or curious about how genetics shapes the world around us, this class offers an exciting journey into one of the most rapidly advancing fields in science.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-ENG≥18 or ACT-S≥21 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-M≥520 or SAT-CR≥510
About The Teacher
Colten Collings specializes in teaching and supporting advanced biology courses, including
AP Biology and Honors Biology, where his students consistently perform well. In addition
to his classroom work, Mr. Collings serves as an AP Biology Reader for the College
Board, an AdvanceKentucky Mentor, and the Varsity Academic Team Coach. Beyond school,
he is committed to supporting his community through his work with LifeSkills Inc.,
providing Community Living Support to a young adult with autism and helping them navigate
daily challenges while building greater independence. Colten Collings holds a Master
of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Bachelor of Science
in Science and Math Education from Western Kentucky University and thoroughly enjoys
his time at VAMPY each year.
Mathematics
Lee Emanuel
Students in this class will have the opportunity to study mathematics starting at their own level of mastery. Students with the proper preparation may study Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra II; Precalculus; Calculus I, II, or II; discrete mathematics; or other abstract courses. Instruction is individualized, and students work independently at their own pace. Students move to new chapters as they demonstrate mastery by scoring at least 80% on chapter tests. Students must enjoy mathematics and be able to work independently to gain the most from this class. Afternoons will be reserved for collaborative work to discover various topics within higher mathematics.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥22 or SAT-M≥520
About The Teacher
Lee Emanuel is originally from a farm outside the small town of North Bend, Nebraska.
As a youth Lee played football, baseball, ran track, and wrestled. After high school
he attended Wayne State College, graduating with a degree in mathematics education,
a minor in physics, and an endorsement in computer science. He then graduated from
University of Nebraska-Kearney with a master's in mathematics. Lee was hired by Western
Kentucky University in 1992 to teach developmental and entry level mathematics courses
for at risk students. Besides teaching these students he has focused on student athletes
and other special populations during his tenure. This will be his second year teaching
in the VAMPY program, and he is highly motivated to replicate the tremendous success
of the first year.
Photography
James Kenney
My name is James Kenney, and I am a professor at WKU and coordinator of the Visual Journalism and Photography program. I am looking forward to spending the next three weeks with you, making meaningful pictures that tell stories about your community at WKU and beyond. Through a combination of techniques and aesthetic applications, you will learn how to translate your own visual perspective into images that resonate and impact the world around you.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-ENG≥18 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
About The Teacher
Professor James Kenney is currently the Visual Journalism and Photography program
coordinator at WKU and director of the Mountain Workshops. For the past 32 years,
Kenney has participated in high school educational programs across the country, including
the Governor’s Scholars Program and Governor’s School for the Arts. He is a past recipient
of WKU’s University Teaching Award.
Since arriving at WKU, Kenney has photographed overseas documentary projects in China, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nigeria, Jamaica, Haiti, and Bosnia and Herzegovina; worked one summer at National Geographic and another at the Lexington Herald-Leader; photographed Tennessee Titans games for the Associated Press, and currently photographs WKU sports for the Associated Press. In December 2021, Kenney began covering the aftermath of the December 10 and 11 Kentucky tornados, including the rebuilding of Resurrection Catholic Church in Dawson Springs, Kentucky.
Kenney’s greatest reward in life is being blessed with a wonderful wife, six incredible kids (and two daughters-in-law), and two grandbabies; they all give him daily support, joy, and inspiration.
Physics
Kenny Lee
Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of Newtonian mechanics as well as
electricity, magnetism, waves, light, and optics. Development of the concepts, laboratory
skills, and mathematical problem-solving will be stressed. Practical application will
be emphasized through student involvement in laboratory experiments and demonstrations.
Students should bring a scientific calculator capable of calculating sine, cosine,
and tangent.
Prerequisite: Algebra I or equivalent course and some experience with right-angle trigonometry
Qualifying Scores: ACT-M≥20 or ACT-S≥21 or SAT-M≥520
About The Teacher
I taught high school physics and all levels of AP Physics for 29 years. During that
time, I also sponsored the school’s physics club, physics Olympics teams, robotics
teams, bridge building contestants, and TEAMS contestants with my teams winning several
of the competitions. I have also coached the high school’s tennis team and started/coached
the girls soccer team at the high school. I have since retired from teaching high
school and have began teaching at WKU in the physics department. I currently teach
University Physics I, Biophysics I, and University Physics I lab. In the summer of
1995, I began working with WKU Gifted Studies with the VAMPY physics program and have
been the instructor for a multitude of years. I always look forward to starting students
on their journey through physics to make sure they have a fun and educational experience.
I look forward to teaching your student.
Pop Culture
Justin Mitchell
Pop Culture in American History explores the story of the United States through the lens of music, film, television, sports, literature, fashion, and digital media from the 20th and 21st centuries. Students examine how pop culture both reflects and shapes key historical moments, cultural movements, and influential leaders. Through analysis of iconic trends, fads, and media, students will investigate what makes something “pop,” how media influences society, and the lasting impact of pop culture on American life. Emphasizing creativity, leadership, and critical thinking, the course challenges students to develop and apply essential 21st-century skills through hands-on projects, presentations, discussions, and research connected to their own lives and the world around them.
Qualifying Scores: ACT-ENG≥18 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
About The Teacher
Dr. Justin Mitchell is an 8th-grade Social Studies teacher and Gifted and Talented
Coordinator at Franklin-Simpson Middle School. Named the 2021 Kentucky History Teacher
of the Year and a National History Teacher of the Year finalist, he was also a 2023
Kentucky Middle School Teacher Achievement Award winner. He serves on the Kentucky
Education Professional Standards Board, is Secretary of the Kentucky Association for
Gifted Education, and chairs the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee for the National
Association for Gifted Children.
Presidential Politics
Dennis Jenkins
This class will explore a variety of issues and decisions that American presidents have faced during our nation’s history. After spending the first two days examining how the presidency evolved from 1789 through 1960 we will spend the remaining 13 days studying the more pivotal decisions, events, and elections that have impacted our nation’s history during the past 65 years from the presidency of John Kennedy through Donald Trump. We will also examine current events involving modern presidential politics to the present. Students will examine major issues involving the executive, legislative, & judicial branch during the last 65 years & they will examine political campaign strategies, platforms, commercials, debates, satire in presidential elections, & Supreme Court cases that have shaped politics from 1960 to the present. Students will participate in debates, discussions, role-plays, and projects that enhance their knowledge of presidential politics with the goal of improving students’ analytical & critical thinking skills.
Qualifying Scores: ACT- ENG≥18 or ACT-R≥21 or SAT-CR≥510 or SAT-W≥500
About The Teacher
Retired from Teaching High School AP U.S. History & U.S. History in 2023. AP U.S. History Teacher at South Warren High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky 2017-2023. Teacher at Warren Central High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky from 1994-2017. AP U.S. History Certification in 2003 & National Board Certified Teacher in 2006
Head Counselor at VAMPY from 1999 to 2001. Residential Counselor at VAMPY 1991-1995 & 1997. Instructor at VAMPY of Presidential Politics (2004, 2006, 2010-2019, 2021-2022 & 2024-2025)
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